Mercedes Leads Early Praise as 2026 F1 Cars Shake Down in Barcelona

The first real shakedown of the 2026 generation F1 cars took place in Barcelona, revealing a mixed bag of early impressions. Mercedes led the praise, with drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell lauding the W17's driveability. Conversely, Haas and Audi faced technical challenges, underscoring the steep learning curve presented by the new regulations' increased electric reliance and aerodynamic shifts.

Why it matters:

This test represents F1's most significant technical overhaul in years. The shift to 50% electric power and revised aerodynamics requires drivers to fundamentally change their approach. Early feedback indicates that while mastering these machines is complex, the changes could enhance driver influence and racing quality in the new era.

The Details:

• Mercedes' Confidence: Antonelli called the W17 "very nice," noting the power unit is manageable. Russell found it intuitive and enjoyable, suggesting a strong baseline for the Silver Arrows.
• Complicated Adaptation: Haas' Esteban Ocon described the Ferrari power unit workload as "very complicated." Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto noted the strong 50% electric deployment but felt the cars were slower.
• Teething Issues: Williams missed the week entirely, while Aston Martin scrambled to join. Audi and Racing Bulls navigated early gremlins, though Liam Lawson felt the new Red Bull-Ford unit offered more driver control.

What's next:

Testing continues Tuesday with rain in the forecast. McLaren and Ferrari are set to join the action, providing a clearer picture of the competitive order as the grid expands to ten runners.