Ferrari joins Barcelona test as Verstappen’s out‑lap triggers brief red flag

Ferrari arrived at Barcelona test Tuesday, joining Red Bull after Max Verstappen’s Turn 5 out‑lap caused a five‑minute red flag. Rain forecast sees most teams sit out, feeding 2026 development.

Why it matters:

• Ferrari’s 2026 car gets its first on‑track data; crucial for closing the gap to rivals.
• Red Bull’s RB22 test shows the pace benchmark the field must chase.
• Early dry runs could lock in tyre allocation ahead of Bahrain’s mixed‑weather opener.

The details:

• The five‑day test gives three running days; most teams skip Tuesday to preserve tyres for rain.
• Ferrari came out at 09:00; Verstappen’s Turn 5 out‑lap caused a five‑minute red flag.
• Mercedes, Audi, Alpine, Cadillac and Haas sit out; McLaren still undecided on a shakedown.

What's next:

• Wednesday and Thursday should see most of the grid back, with teams timing runs around the showers.
• McLaren likely to run an MCL40 shakedown; Red Bull and Ferrari keep tweaking aero and power‑unit ahead of the 2026 launch.
• Data from Barcelona will shape 2026 development, influencing aero packages, cooling and tyre strategy before Bahrain.