Barcelona’s behind‑closed‑doors pre‑season test offered limited data but plenty of intrigue as teams debuted their all‑new machinery. With Bahrain looming, the real competitive picture is about to take shape—and early impressions may yet be rewritten.
Analysis and a round-up of first pre-season test, looking at where the teams are following testing at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya.
Lewis Hamilton was reported to be fastest on the final day of the first pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, the Ferrari driver reportedly set a 16.348. Ferrari have sounded positivity through out the press reports on Friday with Fred Vassure describing it as ‘a very good first step.’ Ferrari goes into
Day four of the Barcelona test saw Aston Martin finally manage to briefly get on track, and McLaren running cut short. Oscar Piastri took over running from world champion Lando Norris, managing forty-eight laps less than a race distance and a hundred less than Wednesday because of a fuel systems problem. After delivering highly productive
Kimi Antonelli was reportedly the fastest on the third day of the first test at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, the Italian set a 17.362, which is the fastest time of testing so far. Antonelli was three-quarters of second faster than his Mercedes teammate George Russell, as the new Mercedes proved reliable once again.
The second day of the Barcelona Test was a all Red Bull and Ferrari affair with wet conditions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. While McLaren is the only team yet to start their programme. This test is being ran behind closed doors, meaning reporting of this test has been heavily restricted as it’s a private
George Russell was reportedly fastest on the first day of the first pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, the Mercedes driver set a 18.696, which put him just under two tenths faster than Isack Hadjar. Mercedes goes into 2026 predicted as favourites given the radical overhaul of the regulations. Other reports have
The first of three pre-season tests brings in the start of the regular pattern we see during the season, with a five-day test ‘behind closed doors,’ in Barcelona. The 2.905-mile circuit is one which drivers know well; up until 2020, this had been the regular testing venue and a staple of the junior formulas since
Analysis and a round-up of pre-season testing, looking at where the teams are half way through testing before the final test in Sakhir, Bahrain.
Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two after setting a 19.138 to top the times by going just over a tenth quicker than teammate George Russell on the final day of the first test at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya. The seven-time champion set the fastest time of the test on the C5 tyres. The
