The engines finally roar on the Barcelona circuit! It’s the kickoff of the collective testing for the 2026 Formula 1 season, and the teams are ready to heat up their tires. While some expected a debacle due to the new regulations, it was ultimately Red Bull that stood out with a stunning time, driven by the young Isack Hadjar.
First Impressions on the Catalan Circuit
The sun shines on Barcelona and the engines rumble, a true ballet of single-seaters launching onto the asphalt. This Monday, the first testing sessions revealed a landscape in full evolution. Unfortunately, not all teams were present. Williams chose to skip these tests, while McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin will join the party a bit later in the week. This allowed the seven teams present to fully enjoy the track: Red Bull, Mercedes, Alpine, Racing Bulls, Haas, Cadillac, and Audi.
Laps and Times: The Battle Begins
The spectacle didn’t take long to set up. The drivers racked up laps with surprising diligence. Esteban Ocon, at the wheel of the Haas, impressed by completing 67 laps before the lunch break. On their side, Mercedes accumulated 56 laps, while Red Bull, with Hadjar behind the wheel, completed 44 laps, already revealing a nice consistency.
But let’s talk about the clock. Isack Hadjar, the promising driver of the Austrian team, shattered the stopwatch with a time of 1’18″835. A performance that places him at the top of the tests, distancing Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli by nearly 1″865 and Alpine’s Franco Colapinto by 2″513. Red Bull seems to have taken a lead in this new era.
Morning Incidents: Red Flags
The morning was not without its mishaps. Three red flags punctuated the tests. The first was triggered by a slight immobilization of Colapinto on the circuit. The second involved Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi, whose single-seater experienced a prolonged stop. Finally, the last incident involved Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls, just as the drivers were passing the four-hour mark of running. However, these interruptions did not dampen the overall enthusiasm.
Audi and Alpine were the two teams most affected by these setbacks, managing to complete only 27 and 28 laps respectively. Far from being a sign of weakness, this could well be a strategy to fine-tune their setups before the big battle to come.
A New Momentum for Formula 1
These tests are not only a first approach for the teams but also a revealer of the dynamics to come in this 2026 season. The new regulations aim to enhance the spectacle in racing and improve performance equality among the teams. While Red Bull is already positioning itself as a serious contender, it remains to be seen if this trend will hold throughout the season.
Toward an Uncertain but Promising Future
As the tests continue, the teams will need to refine their single-seaters and fine-tune their strategies. The competition promises to be fierce. Red Bull and Hadjar have set the bar high, but other teams like Mercedes and Alpine will not hesitate to make their adjustments to get back in the fight.
To follow the developments of these tests and the upcoming stages of the season, don’t hesitate to check out our dedicated Formula 1 section. The stakes are already palpable, and every lap counts in this quest for performance.
