Mercedes Shows Strong Pace on Final Day of Barcelona Testing
Unofficial reports from the final day of F1's Barcelona shakedown test indicate Mercedes set a strong early benchmark, with Kimi Antonelli posting what may be the fastest time of the week. The team completed over 130 laps without major issues, while McLaren made its 2026 car debut and several other teams encountered mixed reliability.
Mercedes drivers George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli reportedly set the benchmark times on the third and final day of Formula 1's 2026 pre-season shakedown in Barcelona, with the team completing over 130 laps in a productive and trouble-free session. While official times are not released, multiple reports indicate Antonelli's afternoon run was the fastest lap of the entire three-day test so far.
Why it matters:
This early showing from Mercedes, particularly with its highly anticipated rookie Antonelli, provides the first tangible data point in the new 2026 regulation cycle. Strong reliability and pace in these initial shakedowns are critical for building a foundation before the official Bahrain test, where competitive pecking orders begin to crystallize. A confident start can set a positive tone for the entire development season.
The details:
The third day saw six teams on track under drier conditions after Tuesday's rain.
- Mercedes' Dominant Day: George Russell is reported to have completed 92 laps in the morning with a best time of 1:17.580. Kimi Antonelli then took over and is said to have bettered that mark with a 1:17.362 in the afternoon, potentially the fastest time of the test week.
- McLaren's Debut: The McLaren MCL40, in a black interim livery, made its track debut with Lando Norris at the wheel, completing 33 laps as the team began its data-gathering process.
- Mixed Fortunes for Others: Alpine reported 56 laps from Franco Colapinto before Pierre Gasly took over. Haas and Audi both caused red-flag stoppages but returned to the track later to accumulate more mileage. Racing Bulls also caused a stoppage with its car in the afternoon.
- Absentees: Williams confirmed its FW48 has passed all tests and will debut at the Bahrain test, while Aston Martin's car was reportedly en route to Barcelona to join the final two days of running.
What's next:
With three of the five allocated shakedown days complete, the focus shifts to the final two days in Barcelona, where Aston Martin is expected to join the running. All data from this week will feed directly into preparations for the official, televised pre-season test in Bahrain in two weeks' time, which will offer the first true comparative glimpse of all ten 2026 contenders under equal conditions.