F1 Testing in Barcelona: The Start of the 2026 Era Amidst Secrecy
Formula 1 has concluded the first day of its highly confidential preseason testing, a day so private that even the fastest lap times from each team have been difficult to obtain.
Media and spectators are prohibited from attending F1’s initial week of testing in Barcelona, which has been organized to allow teams to evaluate cars that are significantly different under the newly revised 2026 regulations, featuring substantial alterations in both aerodynamics and engine design, prior to two official tests in Bahrain in February.
Formula 1 has taken extensive measures to ensure the confidentiality of the first test—security personnel strictly enforced regulations outside the circuit, while live timing data that briefly emerged from the venue was halted during the opening day.
Teams control the information they disclose regarding their performance, with many hesitant to share lap times without providing the full context of their day, complicating the understanding of the early competitive landscape.
ESPN can verify that seven teams participated on the first day of preseason testing, including 2025 entrants Mercedes, Red Bull, Racing Bulls, Alpine, and Haas.
Sources have indicated to ESPN that Mercedes appeared to be competitive, as anticipated under the new engine regulations. Unverified times have suggested that Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar topped the timesheets, followed by George Russell, who took over at Mercedes in the afternoon after Kimi Antonelli.
New entrants Audi, who have finalized their acquisition of Sauber and are competing with their own engine this season, and Cadillac, which becomes the sport’s 11th team this year, were also on the track.
Valtteri Bottas drove the Cadillac for the first time in an all-black testing livery—the team plans to reveal its 2026 colors in an advertisement during the Super Bowl.
– Why is F1 testing in January and why is nobody there?
– Alpine: Horner interested in investing in team
– McLaren reveal testing livery on F1 2026 car, wait for debut
“The priority now is to accumulate more laps each day; I managed to complete just over 30 laps today, some of which were installation laps, but we need to ensure we get substantial running, gather mileage, and confirm we have a reliable package for race one,” Bottas stated to F1 TV.
Defending world champions McLaren and Ferrari have already announced they will commence their respective programs on Tuesday.
Aston Martin appears likely to miss at least one day of the allotted three— the team issued a statement on Monday indicating it plans to be on track on Thursday and Friday, raising concerns about its readiness for the new season.
Aston Martin has made significant investments in this regulatory cycle in an effort to become world champions.
Williams has confirmed it will forgo the test entirely due to delays in the construction of its new car.
“Now that we are running, we are uncovering issues and problems that need addressing with every lap and every run. But that’s the purpose of our presence here, right?” Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu remarked.
“At least we are on track, which means we are collecting data and identifying issues that require resolution. Clearly, we have just begun, but I am very pleased with how we have started.”
Source: espn.com
