McLaren reports a successful first shakedown for its new MCL40 in Barcelona, with no major issues found. The team is using the test to ensure reliability across all conditions before shifting focus to performance tuning at the upcoming official test in Bahrain.
F1 technical analyst Gary Anderson gives his first impressions of Adrian Newey's initial design for the 2026 Aston Martin F1 car, describing it as an extreme, aggressive machine focused on minimizing drag with a radical 'zero' sidepod and double-floor concept.
Mercedes capped off a dominant Barcelona test with George Russell setting the fastest time and the team logging the most laps, while Aston Martin's new AMR26 finally made its troubled track debut, stopping on circuit after only a few laps.
Mercedes dominated F1's Barcelona shakedown with top speed and flawless reliability. In a major warning to Red Bull and McLaren, the team revealed it wasn't even running an optimized setup, hinting at even greater potential for the new car ahead of the final test in Bahrain.
Aston Martin has revealed the Adrian Newey-designed AMR26 after a delayed shakedown. Lance Stroll completed limited laps, with more testing scheduled. The car debuted in a black test livery, with its race colors and further details to come.
McLaren lost a crucial half-day of pre-season testing after a fuel system problem grounded Oscar Piastri's MCL40. The issue, discovered during the fourth test day in Barcelona, limited the team's running as it prepares for the 2026 F1 season, with one final day remaining to complete its program.
The Miami Grand Prix is replacing its temporary fake marina with a permanent, four-story superyacht-themed hospitality club for 2026. The MSC Yacht Club, built with sponsor MSC Cruises, will offer luxury dining, bars, and premium views, alongside a new general admission area overlooking Turn 7, marking a major upgrade to the circuit's iconic feature.
Lewis Hamilton logged 87 laps in his first dry run with Ferrari's 2026 car during Barcelona testing, calling his initial wet-weather running "miserable." The session provided essential early data, though cool temperatures challenged tire performance.
The soundtrack for the upcoming Brad Pitt *F1* film, composed by Hans Zimmer, has won the 2026 Award for Excellence in Sound from the Association of Motion Picture Sound. The award praises the score's blend of music and authentic F1 sounds, building hype for the movie's immersive cinematic experience.
Arvid Lindblad completed his first F1 shakedown with Racing Bulls in Barcelona, earning team praise for his calm professionalism and clear feedback. The 18-year-old rookie, preparing for the major 2026 rule changes, admits he has 'a lot to learn' but is focused on absorbing everything like a 'sponge' ahead of his debut season.
Cadillac's F1 team has sparked rumors of a partnership with Nike after drivers Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Zhou Guanyu were all pictured wearing matching Nike sneakers. The coordinated footwear, which aligns with the team's colors, has led to widespread fan speculation about an impending sponsorship deal as Cadillac continues to build its American brand identity in Formula 1.
Williams missed the 2026 car shakedown in Barcelona due to production delays, but Team Principal James Vowles insists it was a strategic decision to safeguard early-season operations. He highlights the team's alternative virtual testing program and the crucial technical learnings flowing from engine partner Mercedes's strong on-track running as reasons for confidence ahead of the critical Bahrain tests.
