Mercedes impresses, Audi falters in Barcelona F1 shakedown
Mercedes logged over 150 reliable laps on Day 3 of F1's Barcelona shakedown, with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli setting the week's fastest time. In contrast, Audi's troubled start continued with another red flag, as teams now strategize over the final two days of testing.
Mercedes emerged as the standout team for reliability on the third day of Formula 1's closed-door Barcelona shakedown, while new power unit manufacturer Audi faced further setbacks with technical issues. McLaren finally joined the track, and teams began making strategic decisions on how to use their remaining allocated test days ahead of the final sessions.
Why it matters:
Pre-season testing, even in this limited 'shakedown' format, offers the first real-world glimpse of a car's basic reliability and operational readiness. Strong early mileage builds confidence, while recurring problems—especially for a new manufacturer like Audi—can signal deeper developmental challenges that are difficult to overcome before the season opener in Melbourne.
The details:
- Mercedes' Strong Start: The W17 was the day's workhorse, completing over 150 laps according to unofficial timing. Andrea Kimi Antonelli set the week's fastest lap so far (1m17.382s) on soft tires, edging teammate George Russell, who focused on running the hardest C1 compound.
- McLaren Debuts: After skipping the first two days, McLaren began its program with Lando Norris at the wheel, planning a continuous run until Friday evening.
- Audi's Troubles Continue: Nico Hulkenberg's running in the Audi was cut short by a red flag, marking another technical issue for the German squad after a curtailed first day on Monday. Rookie drivers Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) and Oliver Bearman (Haas) also caused stoppages.
- Logistical Decisions: Six teams—Alpine, Audi, Haas, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, and Red Bull—have used two of their three allowed days and must choose between running Thursday or Friday, with weather forecasts being a key factor.
- Williams Absent: Williams opted to skip the Barcelona test entirely, with Team Principal James Vowles citing production delays, while Aston Martin races to prepare its AMR26 for a track debut on Thursday.
What's next:
The final two days of testing will see teams finalize their run plans. Cadillac, Ferrari, and McLaren have two days remaining, while others must pick their final session. With similar, dry conditions forecast for both Thursday and Friday—though Friday may be windier—teams will weigh data-gathering priorities against potential wear and tear. All eyes will remain on Audi's ability to resolve its reliability gremlins and on whether Mercedes can maintain its formidable early pace and consistency.