Mercedes has enjoyed a trouble-free start to 2026 pre-season testing in Barcelona, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli completing a full race simulation on his second outing. The team and its customer squads have logged heavy mileage, indicating strong early reliability for the new W17 car and power unit as they begin their post-Hamilton era.
Mercedes reports an 'encouraging' start to 2026 testing, completing over 330 laps across two days in Barcelona with no major reliability issues. The trouble-free running allowed the team to meet all its objectives ahead of schedule, providing a strong data foundation as the development race for the new regulations intensifies.
Drivers testing 2026 F1 cars in Barcelona report a "very different" experience due to reduced downforce, new manual active aerodynamics, and a major increase in electrical power to manage. The changes significantly raise driver workload and introduce fresh tactical elements, as the sport aims for closer racing and a greater emphasis on driver skill.
Nico Hulkenberg's Audi brought out a red flag for the second time this week in Barcelona testing, but the driver highlighted a productive recovery and positive team mood as the new constructor works through early technical complexities.
The fourth day of F1's 2026 pre-season shakedown in Barcelona is live, with Aston Martin poised to run its new AMR26 for the first time. The day follows a strong performance from Mercedes, where Kimi Antonelli and George Russell led the times on Day 3.
F1 pundit James Hinchcliffe argues Lewis Hamilton faces unprecedented pressure in 2026 after a disappointing first season with Ferrari. With new regulations and a new race engineer, Hamilton must prove he can still compete at the highest level and lead the team's revival.
Lewis Hamilton says his next target is to drive Ferrari's 2026 F1 car in dry conditions after his first track experience was in the wet. He aims to understand the car's balance and the crucial new energy deployment systems, which are key to the upcoming regulatory era.
Red Bull's first test of its in-house F1 power unit was a proud milestone, despite a crash for Isack Hadjar. Team boss Laurent Mekies praised the seamless work between chassis and engine crews, calling it a vital 'first moment' in the team's new era as a full constructor.
Lando Norris took the new McLaren MCL40, adorned with the champion's #1 for the first time in 5555 days, for its initial shakedown in Barcelona. He described the experience as surreal, marking a tangible start to his title defense and the team's new era under the 2026 regulations.
Lewis Hamilton gave a positive first review of Ferrari's 2026 car during Barcelona testing, while Red Bull's radical new design philosophy was revealed. Mercedes demonstrated strong reliability, and champion Lando Norris acknowledged the new pressure of his status.
Reigning champion Lando Norris called driving with the #1 on his McLaren "surreal" after his first run in the 2026 MCL40 at Barcelona. He reported the new-generation car feels slower in corners but quicker on straights, highlighting the increased complexity of managing its hybrid systems.
Lando Norris and McLaren hit the track for the first time in 2026 pre-season testing in Barcelona, while Mercedes set the unofficial pace. The day was punctuated by red flags for several teams, including Audi, signaling early technical challenges.
