Lando Norris returns to McLaren for a Pirelli 2026 tyre test at Yas Marina. For bettors, Norris' extensive seat time could signal McLaren's early-2026 competitiveness — consider added confidence in Norris/McLaren podium props or improved constructors markets. Verstappen sitting out and Hadjar filling in for Red Bull may slightly blunt Red Bull's testing advantage.
Norris Back in the McLaren for Abu Dhabi Pirelli Test
Newly crowned world champion Lando Norris is back behind the wheel of his McLaren at Yas Marina as teams conduct a post-season test of Pirelli’s 2026 tyre range. The one-day test brings all 10 current Formula 1 teams together to evaluate next-generation compounds ahead of the rule changes and tyre updates.
Driver Lineups and Team Rotation
Norris will split duties with teammate Oscar Piastri, with the pair alternating around the lunch break. Max Verstappen will not feature; instead, Red Bull will run Isack Hadjar in the car for the full day. New Red Bull recruit Arvid Lindblad is also set to take part in on-track work. Lewis Hamilton, who endured a difficult debut year with Ferrari, will run for Ferrari alone throughout the session.
Test Format and Technical Focus
Each team runs two cars: a regular 2025-spec car driven by a young driver (defined as one with no more than two F1 starts) and a “mule” car adapted for Pirelli’s 2026 tyre prototypes. Regular race drivers are assigned to the mule cars to provide relevant feedback on tyre behaviour under race-like input.
What It Means for Teams and Drivers
The test is as much about data as it is about driver mileage. Teams will aim to understand degradation curves, peak grip windows and how the new compounds interact with different chassis philosophies. For McLaren, Norris’s involvement offers a valuable continuity of feedback that could accelerate setup translation into early-2026 performance. Ferrari will use Hamilton’s session to try to shore up weaknesses after an uncharacteristic season without a podium.
Betting and Early-Season Implications
Data gathered at Yas Marina can shift expectations for the start of 2026. Heavy seat time for championship-level drivers like Norris on the new tyres could indicate a smoother transition and improved early-season form for McLaren — a factor punters may weigh when considering podium markets, early-season outright odds, or constructors props. Conversely, Red Bull’s reliance on a less-experienced tester for Verstappen’s car could limit the depth of usable data they extract this week.
Looking Ahead
While one test won’t tell the whole story, the feedback collected here will feed team simulations and preseason programmes. Teams that unlock tyre performance early could arrive at the opening races with a meaningful advantage, so attention will remain on how manufacturers interpret Pirelli’s 2026 compounds from this session.
First look! Mercedes active front wing design
Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris is back in his McLaren today for a post-season test.
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