McLaren explain Barcelona F1 pre-season test delay

McLaren has confirmed it will finally run over the final three days of this week's pre-season test in Barcelona.

Team principal Andrea Stella declared last week that the team would conduct a shakedown on the opening day of the private, five-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Although the majority of the teams conducted meaningful running on Monday, with the likes of Mercedes and Haas clocking 154 laps apiece, McLaren did not emerge on track.

On Tuesday, the inclement weather, with rain hitting the circuit mid-morning and continuing into the afternoon, meant McLaren continued to keep its MCL40, which is due to run in an interim test livery, under wraps.

Although rain is again forecast on Wednesday, the team has stated it will get its programme up and running, whilst also explaining why it has intentionally delayed matters so far.

"With track testing for the 2026 season underway and the permitted running time limited to three days over a five-day period, the McLaren has approached this week’s Barcelona shakedown utilising the full flexibility of the programme," the team stated. 

"We plan to run on track for the final three days of testing, while the opening days have provided an important opportunity for the full car to be assembled and checked."

It is now yet known whether Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri will be first behind the wheel.