Mercedes emerged as the frontrunner in Formula 1's first 2026 shakedown test at Barcelona, completing the most laps with strong reliability under new regulations. Ferrari impressed as a close challenger with the fastest overall time, while Red Bull and McLaren showed promise amid minor setbacks. The test from January 26-30 highlighted a tighter grid ahead of the season.
The Barcelona shakedown test, held from January 26 to 30, 2026, at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, provided the first on-track insights into Formula 1's new era of simplified aerodynamics, sustainable power units, and closer racing. Mercedes set the benchmark, logging 502 laps over 2,337 kilometers without major issues, including qualifying and race simulations. George Russell posted the second-fastest time of 1:16.445, while teammate Kimi Antonelli set the quickest lap on day two. The team wrapped up early on Thursday, emphasizing their preparedness reminiscent of their 2014 dominance.
Ferrari followed closely with 440 laps and 2,050 kilometers, running a reliable 'Spec-A' car focused on reliability over pace. Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets on the final day with 1:16.348, just 0.097 seconds ahead of Russell despite track evolution. Charles Leclerc supported with consistent running, including wet-weather stints. Team principal Fred Vasseur praised the mileage: "We covered tons of laps all over the week, that is good." Hamilton added, "We're under no illusions, we know we've got work to do," stressing development's importance. Rivals view Ferrari as leading the pack behind Mercedes.
Red Bull managed 304 laps amid a post-Horner, post-Newey transition, with Max Verstappen completing a full day on their in-house Red Bull-Ford power unit. Rookie Isack Hadjar's early crash required spare parts, but the team amassed 622 laps including Racing Bulls. McLaren, the defending champions, recorded 290 laps, with Lando Norris third-fastest at 1:16.594, though a fuel system glitch delayed Oscar Piastri.
Bookmakers favor George Russell for the drivers' title at 26-32% probability, followed by Verstappen at 22-28% and Norris at 11-22%. Constructors' odds list Mercedes and McLaren as joint favorites at +150. No team faced 2014-like reliability woes, signaling a more even start. Next, official testing begins in Bahrain on February 11.
