Hamilton assesses McLaren and Verstappen: 'Take it with a grain of salt'

Quite a few people in the F1 paddock were very impressed with the speed of Lando Norris' McLaren during its long runs on Thursday. If there was any doubt as to whether the British team has developed a title contender even in 2025, it has dissipated after the second day of testing in Bahrain. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) was also impressed, but he did have some reservations.

Compared to Thursday, it is a lot warmer in Bahrain, which obviously has a huge impact on times. That is why Hamilton said, "But yes, the McLaren did a great run yesterday, and I think also Max did a decent one today, given that even with the temperatures."

"Again, it's hard to know what fuel loads everyone is running as we're all doing different, our own programmes, so you have to take everything with a pinch of salt," Hamilton mused.

McLaren is the reigning constructors' champion and again one of the fastest teams, according to Hamilton. "if not the quickest, as with Red Bull, who dominated for many, many years. So for us, we're just trying to improve."

In the afternoon and early evening, Hamilton also did his long runs with his new employer. Until then, he drove a maximum of 10 laps in a row with Ferrari's SF-25.