Aside from brief promotional filming, the initial day of Barcelona’s five-day test offered Formula 1 competitors their inaugural true chance to evaluate the entirely new 2026 vehicle models.
On the opening day, seven out of eleven participating teams were present, while Williams was compelled to miss the entire week, and Aston Martin worked hard to participate in at least two of their allotted three days.
Official lap timings were not disclosed from the private testing session – and would have held little significance even if public – however, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar reportedly achieved the quickest time, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, with Esteban Ocon completing the most laps, equivalent to over two grand prix races. The substantial mileage accumulated on the first day indicates that teams might have been overly concerned about public observation.
At this preliminary stage, two crucial aspects involve observing teams that encountered difficulties from the outset – especially those like the aforementioned who were entirely absent – and considering the initial reactions of drivers who participated, given the significant changes in aerodynamic rules and increased dependence on electric power, which are poised to fundamentally alter how these next-generation cars are operated and competed with.
Interpret it as you wish, but the most enthusiastic feedback by a considerable margin was directed towards the Mercedes W17, piloted by Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
“It will still require some time to experiment with all the various settings – such as overtake and override modes – it’s distinct,” Antonelli commented after spending the entire day driving for Mercedes. “Yet, the vehicle is pleasant; it’s quite enjoyable to operate. Naturally, concerning the power unit, it differs somewhat from last year’s, demanding a bit more careful handling, but it’s entirely manageable.”
Antonelli further commended the new Mercedes power unit’s handling characteristics, stating it “had been a significant uncertainty but appears promising thus far.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes W17
Photo by: Mercedes AMG
Russell, his team-mate, who took control of the W17 in the afternoon, similarly found his new vehicle enjoyable to operate. “They present notable differences for us as drivers, but once you adapt, piloting them becomes quite natural.
“It’s a pleasure to be in the cockpit, and I believe these new regulations offer much excitement for enthusiasts.”
Esteban Ocon, despite his Haas team resolving several initial issues, still considered the driver’s task inside the cockpit to be “extremely intricate” with their Ferrari power unit.
“It’s highly distinct, very complex,” he stated. “I was fortunate to participate in numerous simulator sessions prior to the season’s start, so we are quite prepared in that regard.
“All aspects are understandable, yet it is indeed very challenging for us all. However, I anticipate this will hold true for everyone.”
Gabriel Bortoleto, making his inaugural appearance in the first-ever Audi F1 vehicle – driven by the team’s initial F1 engine – described his 2026 car as “significantly distinct but not entirely alien.” The Brazilian, a newcomer to F1 last year, possesses limited familiarity with earlier car generations, having consistently adapted to new vehicles each season during his swift rise through junior single-seater categories.
“They are notably dissimilar. They have a somewhat different sensation,” Bortoleto remarked after his Audi team ended his session prematurely due to mechanical issues with the R26. “I struggle to articulate it since I haven’t truly operated any comparable vehicle before. I would suggest that a Formula 2 car is considerably less rapid than F1 cars under previous regulations. And I anticipate these new ones will also be slower.
“However, it’s incredibly exciting to have the power unit now consisting of 50% electric power. As you exit a turn, a tremendous amount of speed is unleashed, revealing its immense strength. These aspects are novel, and one must acclimate to them and adjust their driving style accordingly.
“Nevertheless, it remains a race car and not an entirely foreign concept. It merely represents a new regulatory modification that introduces significant differences.”
Franco Colapinto of Alpine, one of three drivers to halt on track temporarily as a safety measure while the team restricted him to 60 laps, largely reiterated Bortoleto’s observations. “They are distinctly different, yet fundamentally, it remains a racing machine, and the imperative to drive it swiftly within the available grip levels is quite consistent.
“Ultimately, the driving technique is undergoing minor alterations, as is energy management; the tires are considerably narrower and smaller, and naturally, we must also adjust our method of piloting the car.”
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Photo by: Formula 1
Liam Lawson, representing Racing Bulls, confessed, “I certainly haven’t completely grasped it yet,” as he adjusts to competing with Red Bull’s inaugural internally developed power unit, crafted in partnership with Ford. “It’s something we’ll continue to comprehend throughout the upcoming days and weeks, especially when we proceed to Bahrain. However, it is exceedingly distinct,” the New Zealander stated.
“It appears there’s significantly more scope for drivers to potentially influence performance, which is positive. However, at this moment, it’s still very early. Consequently, determining our exact position is quite challenging. For now, the focus is purely on understanding how to maximize the vehicle. I’m finding it enjoyable thus far.
“The primary concern currently is dependability. We completed a substantial number of laps today, with only minor incidents. Frankly, the sole problems we encountered were preventative safety measures, rather than genuine mechanical failures. Honestly, regarding the power unit, it has performed exceptionally well so far. Yet, it remains difficult to ascertain our standing relative to the other competitors.”
The Formula 1 test run in Barcelona is slated to proceed on Tuesday, a day with the highest chance of precipitation. Assuming suitable conditions, former world champions McLaren and Ferrari are anticipated to debut their new equipment during the pre-season activities at Montmelo.
