2026 F1 pre-season testing: Power unit manufacturers' lap count analysis

Mercedes-powered cars completed over a thousand more laps than any other manufacturer during the 2026 pre-season tests, while Honda endured a difficult return with Aston Martin, logging fewer than 400 laps. The data highlights the varying levels of preparation and potential reliability concerns among the six power unit suppliers ahead of the new regulatory era.

Why it matters:

With major new engine regulations in effect for 2026, maximizing track time was critical for teams and manufacturers to gather data, understand reliability, and find performance. The lap counts serve as a public indicator of which power units have been able to run reliably and which are facing significant teething problems, setting early narratives for the season ahead.

The details:

• Mercedes led the way with 4,098 laps, a significant total bolstered by supplying four teams on the grid. This volume of running provides a substantial data advantage.
• Ferrari, supplying three teams, recorded 3,084 laps—respectable but notably behind its historic rival.
• Red Bull Powertrains accumulated 2,021 laps for its two teams, Red Bull Racing and VCARB, showing a solid foundation in its fourth season as a manufacturer.
• The Audi power unit, debuting with the Sauber team, completed 941 laps as it begins its F1 journey.
• Honda's return as a full works supplier with Aston Martin was the most concerning, managing only 394 laps. This severely limited running puts the team on the back foot for understanding its new package.

What's next:

The true performance picture will only become clear at the Bahrain Grand Prix, but the testing mileage creates immediate pressure points. Mercedes and Ferrari enter the season with confidence from their programs, while Honda and Aston Martin face a race against time to solve their reliability issues before competitive sessions begin. For Audi, the focus will be on translating its learning miles into a points-scoring package from the outset.