Barcelona Shakedown

Mercedes impressed rivals by completing a full race simulation on the second day of Formula 1's 2026 pre-season shakedown in Barcelona. Williams team principal James Vowles described the feat as a 'laugh in everyone's face' due to Mercedes' advanced preparation. George Russell expressed satisfaction with the team's performance while noting strong showings from competitors.

February 09, 2026 Iniulat ng AI

Mattia Binotto, Audi's F1 chief, described an unprecedented workload as the team prepares for its 2026 entry following a Barcelona shakedown marred by initial technical issues. Despite early power unit problems limiting drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg, the squad ended the week positively with significant mileage on Friday. Binotto emphasized the team's commitment to addressing every detail before further tests in Bahrain.

Mercedes completed 500 laps to lead the mileage charts during the behind-closed-doors Barcelona shakedown for the 2026 Formula 1 season, showcasing strong reliability with its new W17 car. Ferrari impressed with Lewis Hamilton setting the fastest unofficial time of 1:16.348, while Aston Martin's radical Adrian Newey-designed AMR26 made a late but eye-catching debut. The test highlighted variations in active aerodynamics and suspensions across the grid, marking a smooth start to the new regulations era.

January 30, 2026 Iniulat ng AI

Mercedes set the pace during the private Barcelona shakedown for the 2026 Formula 1 season, completing the most laps with its new W17 car. The team reported ticking all objectives over three days of testing, highlighting reliability and progress. This early test provides initial insights into the major regulatory changes ahead.

Lewis Hamilton completed 85 laps in Ferrari's SF-26 during Thursday morning's dry running at the Barcelona pre-season shakedown, calling the mileage 'amazing' after a wet start earlier in the week. The session marked his first substantial track time in dry conditions with the 2026 car, focusing on tyre understanding and reliability. Hamilton expressed optimism compared to last year's testing woes amid the new regulations.

January 29, 2026 Iniulat ng AI

Mercedes kicked off the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season strongly at the Barcelona shakedown, with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli completing a full race simulation on his second day in the W17 car. The team accumulated 334 laps over two days without major issues, gathering valuable data. Drivers George Russell and Antonelli topped unofficial timesheets, signaling reliability for the new power unit.