George Russell reports Mercedes' new W17 has no porpoising issues during Barcelona testing, crediting 2026 F1 rules that move downforce generation away from the floor. While the car is reliable and drivable, its true pace remains unknown ahead of the Bahrain shakedown.
F1's 2026 era began with a surprisingly smooth private shakedown test in Barcelona, easing major reliability concerns over the new technical regulations. Mercedes and Ferrari led the way in mileage, while new engine manufacturers Red Bull and Audi also completed crucial early running, providing a stable foundation for the official pre-season test in Bahrain.
Lando Norris says McLaren's focus during Barcelona testing was on reliability checks and data gathering, not lap times. The reigning champion emphasized understanding the car's systems was more important than comparing performance with rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes ahead of the new season.
F1's first 2026 test revealed Mercedes as the early benchmark, with Ferrari close behind. Red Bull's new engine surprised with its reliability, while Aston Martin's radical Adrian Newey-designed car remains the grid's biggest wildcard. Newcomers Audi and Cadillac faced significant reliability challenges, setting up a crucial final test in Bahrain.
Lewis Hamilton urges caution despite setting the fastest time for Ferrari in Barcelona pre-season testing, stressing the team has substantial work ahead to convert testing promise into a consistent competitive challenge against rivals like Mercedes and Red Bull.
Oscar Piastri was relieved to complete a trouble-free 80-lap test session in Barcelona on Friday, after a fuel system issue cost McLaren valuable track time on Thursday. The smooth running allowed the rookie to finally get acquainted with his MCL38 car ahead of the crucial Bahrain tests.
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time on the final day of F1's Barcelona shakedown, leading a Ferrari 1-3 in unofficial times. The week was marked by strong reliability and high mileage for most teams, including McLaren's recovery and Red Bull's return to track, providing an initial positive read on the 2026 cars before official testing in Bahrain.
Zak O'Sullivan led the way in Formula E's rookie practice in Miami, edging out Theo Pourchaire. The session featured a mix of talent from F2 and other series, offering a preview of potential future stars in the all-electric championship.
Lewis Hamilton is encouraged by the driving characteristics of the 2026 F1 cars after his first test with Ferrari, calling them more fun and oversteery. While optimistic about Ferrari's team energy, he stresses that rapid in-season development, not testing times, will be the key to success.
Max Verstappen says Red Bull's new 2026 power unit needs more development after its first shakedown test, highlighting the scale of the team's challenge in becoming an engine manufacturer. While Mercedes impressed with mileage and reliability, the early test revealed competitive surprises across the grid as all teams begin the transition to new technical regulations.
Fernando Alonso gave Aston Martin's new AMR26 a positive first run, completing 61 laps and calling the car 'responsive' during a delayed shakedown in Barcelona. The test marked a crucial first step for the team under Adrian Newey's technical direction and with its new Honda power unit.
The 2026 F1 pre-season test in Barcelona concluded with unexpectedly high reliability for the new power units, avoiding a repeat of 2014's disastrous start. Mercedes and Ferrari led the mileage charts, while Aston Martin's severely limited running raised eyebrows as teams now turn their focus to unlocking performance.
