Lando Norris sends cautious warning: McLaren 'need to be prepared' to race Haas

McLaren driver Lando Norris says the Haas cars could rival them at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix after the very tight testing last weekend.

The 2022 Formula 1 season kicks off at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain this weekend, 18-20 March. And with some of the pre-season testing taking place there last week, the teams will be all too familiar with the circuit.

Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes looked early favourites at times in Bahrain, but concerning the rest of the field, it was anyone's guess how teams will shape this weekend.

Impressive form

In an interview with media, Norris admitted other than three teams looking particularly good it was pretty even among the rest of the field.

Norris said: "The three teams there are looking the fastest at the minute, and I would say everyone else is looking pretty close, from us, down to Haas. Even Haas looked very quick, (which is) surprising considering how far off they were last year, and I'm impressed to see the progress they look like they've made so far.

"I think even we need to be prepared to be racing against them and qualifying against them, so we'll see (this weekend)."

Haas, who spent most of last year focusing on the new car for 2022, set quick testing times during the three days in Sakhir with drivers Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen looking very comfortable in their cars.

First press conference of 2022 for Mick & Kevin at the lunch break earlier ??#HaasF1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/rzxrlZdnPn