Sergio Perez says Cadillac's new F1 car has presented "more problems than surprises" during preseason testing, citing issues with the engine, chassis, and electronics. Despite the challenges, the team had a productive day of data gathering and is making progress with each lap, marking an improvement from earlier mechanical troubles.
Mercedes emerged as the mileage leader on Day 4 of F1's Barcelona shakedown, completing a robust testing program. Aston Martin's new car finally appeared but managed only five laps before stopping, while McLaren's running was halted by a fuel system issue, underscoring the varied reliability challenges teams face with the new 2026 machinery.
McLaren lost valuable track time to a technical issue during F1 pre-season testing, while rivals Mercedes and Ferrari enjoyed productive days. Aston Martin finally debuted its new car in the final hour, but immediately faced reliability problems.
Aston Martin's pre-season troubles deepened as its delayed AMR26 finally appeared at Barcelona testing only to cause a red flag within an hour. After missing the first three days of running, the early stoppage compounds the team's preparation crisis ahead of the new F1 season.
George Russell set the fastest time of pre-season testing in Barcelona, as Adrian Newey's first Aston Martin F1 car, the AMR26, made its delayed but historic on-track debut in the final hour of the penultimate day.
Lewis Hamilton completed 87 laps in Ferrari's SF-26 during a dry Thursday test session in Barcelona, praising the team's early reliability work. The positive mileage is a key first step for the team under the new 2026 technical regulations.
Christian Horner, the former Red Bull Racing boss, will embark on a speaking tour in Australia in late February, his first major public series since leaving the team. The events fuel ongoing rumors about his potential return to F1, possibly linked to Alpine, as he remains a prominent figure seeking a new role in the sport.
Audi's first F1 power unit test in Barcelona was marked by expected reliability issues, including red flags and limited running. Technical Director James Key stated the problems were part of the learning curve for the new 2026 project, with the team focusing on gathering crucial baseline data rather than performance.
McLaren's pre-season testing hit a snag in Barcelona as a fuel system issue prevented any running during the afternoon session. The stoppage came after Oscar Piastri had a strong morning, finishing second fastest, and costs the team vital track time with just one test day remaining.
Lewis Hamilton described Ferrari's first 2026 pre-season test as "better than we've experienced in the past," praising the SF-26's reliability after completing 85 laps. The positive start marks a contrast to last year's difficulties and provides a solid foundation for the final test in Bahrain.
Williams Team Principal James Vowles says the new FW48 is the best-built car since he joined, despite its complexity causing production delays that forced the team to miss the Barcelona shakedown. The team is using virtual testing to prepare and is confident it can catch up during six days of running in Bahrain.
Alpine has launched its 2026 F1 car, the A526, featuring a radical pull-rod front suspension not seen on any other established team's challenger. The design includes innovative aerodynamic concepts as the team aims for a major comeback after a last-place finish in 2025.
