Hadjar Crashes, Verstappen Red Flags as Red Bull Leads Day 2 Barcelona Test

Red Bull continued its aggressive testing program in Barcelona, with both Max Verstappen and new reserve driver Isack Hadjar causing red flags on Day 2. While the Milton Keynes outfit led the mileage, new entrant Cadillac and Mercedes also provided early insights into the 2026 grid's pecking order.

Why it matters:

With the 2026 regulations shaking up the grid, early reliability is as crucial as raw pace. Red Bull's decision to run on consecutive days suggests confidence in their package, while early issues for Cadillac highlight the steep learning curve for new manufacturers entering the sport.

The Details:

• Red Bull's Interruptions: Isack Hadjar suffered his first crash for the team late in the session, shortly after Max Verstappen triggered an early red flag. Despite the stoppages, Verstappen managed to set the second-quickest time of the day.
• Cadillac's Early Struggles: Sergio Perez, driving for Cadillac, reported various issues during their Monday debut. However, the veteran remains optimistic, preferring to discover these problems now rather than at the season opener in Australia.
• Mercedes' Positive Outlook: George Russell described the opening day of the new era as "pretty impressive," signaling a potentially competitive start for the Silver Arrows under the fresh regulations.
• McLaren's Delayed Entry: Andrea Stella confirmed McLaren will only run during the final three days, having utilized a filming day on Monday to cover initial mileage.

What's next:

McLaren is set to join Ferrari and Red Bull on track for the remainder of the week. Teams will likely shift focus to long-run simulations and qualifying pace as the Barcelona test concludes.