Verstappen Predicts Garage-Heavy Start to 2026 F1 Testing
Max Verstappen expects the first 2026 F1 test in Barcelona to focus on garage work rather than track time due to massive regulation changes. Teams will debut new cars with active aero and hybrid engines before the season opener in Australia.
Max Verstappen anticipates that the upcoming F1 2026 pre-season test in Barcelona will see teams spending significantly more time in the garage than on the tarmac. With the sport undergoing its most radical regulatory overhaul in years, the three-time world champion admits that everyone is currently "in the dark" regarding the performance of the new machinery.
Why it matters:
The 2026 regulations introduce smaller, lighter cars, active aerodynamics, and a 50/50 combustion-electric power unit split. This massive shift levels the playing field, making the initial testing phase crucial for understanding the new formula before the competitive season begins.
The details:
- Testing Schedule: The first test runs from January 26-30 at Barcelona behind closed doors, followed by two public sessions in Bahrain in February.
- New Challenges: Verstappen noted that with zero prior data on the new cars or engines, teams will likely prioritize setup and reliability over pure lap times initially.
- Red Bull's Role: As Red Bull transitions into a power unit manufacturer with Ford, Verstappen has been actively involved at the Milton Keynes facility, showing his commitment to the project's success.
- Regulatory Shift: The move to active aerodynamics and biofuel engines represents one of the biggest year-to-year changes in F1 history, requiring teams to adapt their development philosophies entirely.
What's next:
Following the private Barcelona test, teams will head to Sakhir for public tests on February 11-13 and 18-20. The 2026 season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, where the true pecking order will finally be revealed.