Sport

As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, early indications from pre-season testing in Bahrain suggest Ferrari and Mercedes have established themselves as the teams to beat. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledges this, stating the two manufacturers demonstrated a performance advantage during the final test at the Bahrain International Circuit, though he believes his team remains within striking distance.

The assessment comes after a cautious approach from McLaren following the initial test on the Sakhir track, where Stella emphasized that testing times don’t always provide a complete picture of competitive order. However, the second and final Bahrain test offered a clearer signal heading into the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 6-8.

“If I look at what we were able to learn about the system of values, I would say that these days have confirmed Ferrari and Mercedes as role models to follow,” Stella explained. “Given that both gave the impression of having a little more than the others, although I think McLaren are very close and the fact that they are in the top four is an encouraging sign, although you have to recognize that these two teams seem to have a small advantage at the moment.”

McLaren, the 2024 and 2025 Constructors’ Champions, according to Wikipedia, is focusing on internal improvements and data analysis with their MCL40 chassis. The team prioritized verifying the robustness of the car and understanding its behavior under various conditions during the testing phase.

Positive Testing Session for McLaren

Stella described the second test session in Bahrain as “positive,” highlighting the car’s reliability and the team’s ability to complete their planned program. “I see this second series of tests as positive, especially here in Bahrain, as the car has proven to be reliable and we have been able to complete the planned program almost completely in terms of functionality, reliability and performance evaluation,” he said. “This has allowed us to cover many kilometers and collect useful information, so today we can say that we have a fairly clear understanding of the car’s potential and have exploited a large part of it, knowing full well that each employ on the track brings modern aspects to analyze.”

The team concentrated on refining various aspects of the MCL40, including tuning, aerodynamic efficiency and tire management, while also optimizing the Mercedes power unit – a crucial element for maximizing overall performance. According to Formula1.com, Stella cautioned against reading too much into testing results, but the Bahrain test reinforced his initial assessment.

Pecking Order Remains Unclear

Despite the positive outlook, Stella acknowledges the difficulty in definitively establishing the competitive hierarchy. Sky Sports reports Stella believes Ferrari and Mercedes hold “a step ahead” going into the Australian Grand Prix. He pointed to a race simulation during testing where Oscar Piastri’s pace was comparable to Max Verstappen’s, but stressed the importance of considering the time of day and track conditions when interpreting such data.

“Often, the race simulation is actually where you can more accurately see what the genuine performance of cars is,” Stella explained.

The McLaren team, led by Team Principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown, will be looking to build on their recent success – having won the 2024 and 2025 Constructors’ Championships – and challenge Ferrari and Mercedes for the title in the upcoming season. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be driving for McLaren in 2026, with Leonardo Fornaroli and Pato O’Ward serving as test drivers, as detailed on the McLaren website.

With the first race of the season fast approaching, teams will be analyzing the data collected during testing to fine-tune their cars and prepare for the challenges ahead. The Australian Grand Prix will provide the first real indication of the competitive landscape and the potential for a thrilling championship battle.

What developments will emerge as teams analyze the data from Bahrain? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion.

Loughborough Lightning’s Jess Shaw is focused on a successful 2026 season, aiming for both Netball Super League glory and a place in the England squad for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 29-year-old has returned to the Lightning after a four-year absence, having previously played for Team Bath, Severn Stars, and Birmingham Panthers. Shaw’s return to the NSL runners-up comes as she seeks to refine her game and solidify her position on the international stage.

Ahead of Saturday’s season opener against LexisNexis Dragons, broadcast live on Sky Sports, Shaw outlined her ambitions for the year. The experienced midcourter is eager to contribute to a team that has consistently reached the NSL final, appearing in the championship game for the past five consecutive years. Shaw believes that a strong performance with Loughborough Lightning will be crucial in securing her spot in the England team for the Commonwealth Games, which will take place in July, and August.

“This squad is really exciting,” Shaw told Sky Sports. “They’ve been in finals now for five consecutive years, so hopefully we get into that final again this year. With it being a Commonwealth Games year, for me, coming to Lightning is going to help me perform. I’ve got the team behind me and if I am performing, I’ll be out on that court.”

Shaw’s return to the Lightning has already begun positively, with the team winning the Super Cup earlier this year. She as well intends to utilize her versatility, aiming to gain playing time in both the wing attack and centre positions. “Coming into a Commonwealth Games year, it’s really important that I am at the top of my game and playing across both positions, so hopefully I can get that this season,” Shaw explained.

The athlete’s journey to the top of the sport is particularly inspiring given her diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes as a teenager. Shaw continues to manage her health carefully, using her platform to motivate younger individuals living with the same condition. She emphasizes that a diagnosis doesn’t preclude achieving success in elite sport.

“I still find it really challenging living with Type 1 diabetes,” Shaw said. “It still catches me off guard depending on different games and things.” But she added, “Over the years I have started to get a bit more to grips with what works for me on gamedays, and training around that. But again, some days it’s just out of my control and I’m really struggling to kind of get it in that range.” Shaw views her success as a source of encouragement, stating, “For me, it’s just doing it for the ones that are younger and look up to me as a role model, to know that even living with Type 1 diabetes, it doesn’t stop you and when you do get to the top it’s actually a lot sweeter.”

Fans can watch the Netball Super League live on Sky Sports, with the season kicking off on Friday, February 27, featuring a match between champions London Pulse and Manchester Thunder, broadcast on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports+ from 7:25pm.

Jess Shaw’s career has seen her represent Yorkshire Jets, Team Bath, Loughborough Lightning (previously), Severn Stars, and Birmingham Panthers, according to her Wikipedia profile. She was initially selected for the full-time Vitality Roses programme in 2016 and won a bronze medal with the England U21 team at the 2017 Netball World Youth Cup in Botswana, as noted by England Netball.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, and Shaw is determined to be a part of the England squad. Her focus on developing her versatility and maintaining peak performance will be key to achieving this goal. The Netball Super League season promises to be a crucial stepping stone in her journey.

What are your thoughts on Jess Shaw’s return to Loughborough Lightning? Share your predictions for the Netball Super League season in the comments below!

Bobby Douglas, a pioneering figure in collegiate wrestling and the longtime head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 83. Douglas’s impact extended beyond the mat, as he broke barriers as the first Black wrestler to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games.

Douglas led the Iowa State wrestling program from 1993 to 2006, achieving significant success and leaving a lasting legacy in Ames. His tenure was marked by 52 All-America performances, 10 individual NCAA titles, and three NCAA Championship runner-up finishes. He amassed 198 dual victories during his time at Iowa State, solidifying his place as one of the most successful coaches in program history. He was inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.

Before arriving at Iowa State, Douglas had already established himself as a transformative force in the sport. He competed in the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games, finishing fourth in the featherweight division at the 1964 Tokyo Games and serving as captain of the U.S. Olympic team in Mexico City in 1968. His presence on the world stage helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes in wrestling.

Douglas began his coaching career at Cal-Santa Barbara in 1973 before taking the helm at Arizona State in 1975. He spent 19 years with the Sun Devils, leading them to a national title in 1988 – a landmark achievement that broke the dominance of Iowa and Iowa State in the sport. That 1988 championship, won in Hilton Coliseum, was a major upset and signaled Douglas’s coaching prowess.

Securing Douglas to lead the Cyclone wrestling program was considered a major coup for Iowa State prior to the 1992-93 season. Under his guidance, Iowa State consistently ranked among the nation’s elite programs, finishing in the top-6 at the NCAA Championship seven times. The 1995-1996 squad, despite qualifying only five wrestlers, achieved a remarkable second-place finish at the NCAA Championship, with all five qualifiers earning All-America honors and three reaching the finals.

The 1999-2000 Iowa State team posted a 20-2 dual record, winning the National Duals before narrowly losing to rival Iowa at the NCAA Championship. Four Cyclones reached the finals that year, showcasing the depth of talent Douglas cultivated. His 2001-02 team also finished second at the NCAA Championship, boasting three individual NCAA champions.

Douglas’s influence wasn’t limited to wins and championships. He was known for his dedication to his wrestlers’ academic and personal development, fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the mat. He instilled a sense of pride and purpose in his athletes, preparing them for success long after their wrestling careers ended.

The passing of Bobby Douglas marks the end of an era for Iowa State wrestling and the broader wrestling community. His legacy as a competitor, coach, and trailblazer will continue to inspire athletes and coaches for generations to approach.

Details regarding memorial services have not yet been announced.

What comes next for the Iowa State wrestling program is a continuation of the standard Douglas set – a commitment to excellence, academic achievement, and the development of well-rounded student-athletes. The program will undoubtedly honor his memory as they strive for future success.

Share your memories of Coach Douglas and his impact on the sport in the comments below.