The 2026 Formula 1 season begins at Albert Park this weekend, and pre-season testing across Barcelona and Bahrain has provided the first indications of where each team stands under the new regulations. Here is the full testing picture heading into Melbourne.
Barcelona Shakedown: Mercedes and Hamilton Set the Pace
The five-day Barcelona shakedown in late January gave all 11 teams — including debutants Cadillac — their first track time with the 2026 cars. Lewis Hamilton set the outright fastest time of the test at 1:16.348 on Friday, with Mercedes team-mate George Russell posting 1:16.445 the day before. Mercedes amassed 499 laps across their three allocated days, the highest total of any team at Barcelona.
Red Bull's new partnership with Ford produced an encouraging debut, with Isack Hadjar topping the opening day's times. The RB22 completed its programme without significant reliability issues — a positive start for the Red Bull Powertrains operation.
Bahrain Tests: Leclerc Stamps Ferrari's Authority
Two three-day tests in Bahrain (February 11-13 and 18-20) provided a more representative picture. Charles Leclerc set the outright fastest time of all pre-season running at 1:31.992 in the second test — 0.879 seconds clear of Lando Norris in second. McLaren matched Williams for the highest lap count in the first Bahrain test with 422 laps, suggesting strong reliability.
Kimi Antonelli went fastest on Day 3 of the first Bahrain test with a 1:33.669, 0.249 seconds quicker than Russell's earlier benchmark — a statement of intent from Mercedes' 19-year-old new signing.
Red Bull Ford: The Benchmark Engine?
The Red Bull Ford power unit — designated DM01 after late chairman Dietrich Mateschitz — drew attention throughout testing. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described it as "the benchmark" during Bahrain testing, singling out its "outstanding energy deployment from the electric motor." Williams driver Carlos Sainz described it as "a step ahead" per Autosport reporting. Red Bull completed 343 laps in the first Bahrain test and 329 in the second.
The Midfield and Beyond
Racing Bulls recorded 407 laps in the second Bahrain test — the second-highest total — suggesting strong reliability from the junior Red Bull squad. Aston Martin's running was limited by Honda battery issues, with vibration problems restricting the team's mileage. Cadillac completed 320 laps in their first Bahrain test and 266 in their second, confirming first upgrades for Australia.
Audi team principal Mattia Binotto admitted the team is prepared for a "very bumpy" debut season, with CEO Gernot Doellner describing 2026 as a "challenger year" as the former Sauber operation transitions to its new identity.
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