By Lucy Armour
As the 2026 F1 season races around the corner, the paddock is already buzzing with anticipation as teams get their first real taste of a bold new era.
From January 26-30, the ongoing Barcelona shakedown has offered an early glimpse at how radically different cars, concepts, and tactics are beginning to take shape under the new regulations.
While lap times mean little at this stage, every run is laying the groundwork for what could be one of the most transformative seasons in F1 history.
What is the Barcelona Shakedown and why is it private?
It is an opportunity for all of the teams to test their new cars on the Barcelona track, without any limitations.
It is a private event, the public cannot see the cars on the track for the first time nor is it streamed live on TV for viewers.
This is due to the shakedown being solely focused on the drivers getting mileage in their cars and ensuring that everything is functioning as planned, especially to fit the new regulations this season.
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Barcelona Day 1 (January 26)
Day 1 of the 2026 Barcelona Shakedown was focused on system checks and mileage rather than outright pace, as teams adjusted to the new aerodynamic and power-unit regulations ahead of the season.
Not all of the teams had their cars on track, with Mercedes, Red Bull, Racing Bulls, Haas, Alpine, Cadillac, and Audi completing the shakedown on Day 1.
It was obvious that McLaren, Ferrari and Aston Martin had planned to start later in the week, and Williams wasn’t present at all.
Leaked timing suggests Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was top of the day one timesheets, with Mercedes’ Russell and Alpine’s Franco Colapinto close behind.
Although these are not official F1 timings.
Day 2 (January 27)
Rain and damp conditions kept grip low for much of the day, meaning the running was limited and cautious rather than focused on outright pace.
With much of the paddock (including McLaren, Mercedes, Haas, Alpine, Audi, Racing Bulls and others) choosing to sit out Day 2, the only two teams to run were Ferrari and Red Bull.
Charles Leclerc kicked off the day for Ferrari, navigating the wet surface and logging good mileage.
Max Verstappen was out early for Red Bull but experienced a small off at Turn 5 in the damp, triggering a brief red flag before continuing.
Lewis Hamilton took over Ferrari’s programme later in the day, while Isack Hadjar continued Red Bull’s running.
Unfortunately, Hadjar’s session ended early when he slid into the barriers at Turn 14, damaging the RB22.
Both teams used the day to gather early data on system operation, particularly in mixed conditions.
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Day 3 (January 28)
There was a significant starting line-up in running as six teams hit the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, making it one of the most active days so far at the shakedown.
Mercedes, McLaren, Alpine, Racing Bulls, Haas and Audi all took to the track.
Mercedes put in heavy mileage once again with a strong showing from both drivers, racking up well over 180 laps on the day.
After skipping the first two days, Lando Norris debuted as L1 in the new McLaren MCL40, completing around 60+ laps and giving the team important early feedback on systems in the new car.
Haas faced some technical moments that limited its morning running, and Audi encountered a stoppage before returning later in the day.
Day 4 (January 29)
Mercedes continued where it left off with another productive day, posting some of the quickest unofficial times and plenty of laps as it wrapped up its three permitted days of running in Barcelona.
Ferrari returned to the track with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc putting in solid mileage in dry conditions.
The team reported a smooth day focused on tyre work and basic performance checks.
Oscar Piastri took over the McLaren and initially continued the team’s programme, but a fuel system issue cut his running short, underlining the nature and importance of shakedowns with new engines and systems.
After several days in the garage, Aston Martin’s AMR26 made its first laps late in the session with Lance Stroll behind the wheel, although progress was limited and brought out a red flag at one point.
Day 5 (January 30)
With Friday being the final day, you can expect teams to be maximising their final day of private running as they wrap up this first look at the new cars before the official pre-season tests in Bahrain.
Driver feedback and hidden timing data will offer the only hints of progress as this final day builds crucial groundwork ahead of the next phase of 2026 testing.
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