F1 Pre-Season Testing: Day 4 in Barcelona Sees Mercedes Pace, Williams Confirms Readiness
Day 4 of F1's 2026 pre-season test continues in Barcelona after Mercedes set the pace on Day 3. Williams confirms its car is ready for the next test in Bahrain, as teams collect vital data under the new regulations.
The first official track action of the 2026 Formula 1 season continues with Day 4 of pre-season testing in Barcelona, with Mercedes showing early speed and Williams confirming its car is ready for the upcoming Bahrain test. Teams are gathering crucial data under the new 2026 regulations, offering the first glimpse of the competitive order.
Why it matters:
Pre-season testing provides the first tangible evidence of each team's winter development progress. Strong lap times, especially from a rookie like Kimi Antonelli, can signal a team's potential, while reliability and preparation updates are critical indicators of a smooth start to the grueling season ahead.
The details:
- On Day 3, Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell set the fastest unofficial lap times, with Antonelli topping the session.
- Eight drivers from six teams completed laps, with McLaren's Lando Norris and the Alpine duo of Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly following the Mercedes pair.
- Williams Team Principal James Vowles confirmed his squad has passed all necessary checks and will be ready for the official test in Bahrain, following a planned filming day shakedown and ongoing virtual track tests.
What's next:
The focus in Barcelona remains on mileage, system checks, and understanding the new car's baseline. All eyes will then shift to the final pre-season test in Bahrain, which serves as the definitive dress rehearsal before the 2026 championship begins. Williams' announcement alleviates concerns about its preparation timeline, setting the stage for a full grid ready to compete.