Barcelona, Spain – January 26, 2026–The 2026 Formula 1 season officially kicked off today at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as teams engaged in their private pre-season shakedown testing amid the implementation of radical new regulations. In a compelling display of performance, Red Bull Racing’s Isack Hadjar emerged as the fastest driver in the morning session, clinching the top position on the unofficial timesheets.
As the pre-season progresses, the focus will shift to how teams adapt to the new regulations and how quickly they can unlock the full potential of their cars for the challenges ahead in 2026. The anticipation builds as fans and teams alike await the next testing sessions, hoping for thrilling developments on and off the track.
Hadjar, a promising talent from France, has stepped up to the senior Red Bull seat for the new season after an impressive rookie year with the team’s junior outfit, Racing Bulls (now VCARB). His transition to this elevated role was marked by an impressive show of consistency and speed, as he completed a substantial 44 laps in the new RB22. His quickest lap time of 1:18.835 reflects a solid foundation for the season ahead, putting him ahead of rival teams.
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli followed closely behind, clocking in at 1:20.700 while completing 56 laps. Antonelli’s performance illustrates the ongoing competitiveness of Mercedes, as they aim to bounce back from the previous season with a well-rounded package. Meanwhile, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto registered a time of 1:21.348 after 28 laps, signaling potential improvements as the season progresses.
Other noteworthy performances included Liam Lawson in the VCARB car, who posted a time of 1:21.864 on 42 laps. Esteban Ocon, driving for Haas, stood out with a commendable 67 laps, although his fastest time of 1:24.520 suggests that Haas might be focusing on reliability and data gathering rather than outright pace initially. Valtteri Bottas, racing for Cadillac, and Gabriel Bortoleto from Audi finished the morning with times of 1:24.651 and 1:25.296, respectively, as teams navigated varying setups under cooler, damp conditions due to earlier rainfall.
The morning session was not without interruptions, as red flags were raised due to on-track stops, including a setback for Liam Lawson, who experienced minor issues in the VCARB car. Teams like Audi and Alpine also faced small technical difficulties, which occasionally stalled the session.
It’s essential to note that while these lap times are an intriguing aspect of the shakedown, they hold limited significance in the broader picture of the teams’ test plans. Each team is running different programs with varying fuel loads, tire compounds, and conservative setups aimed at system checks and reliability assessments. For instance, some teams were restricted to only limited dry tire sets, illustrating the careful approach taken during this early phase.
Red Bull Team Principal
Laurent Mekies opted for an aggressive strategy, choosing to jump straight into the Barcelona test without any preliminary private runs. This move reflects Red Bull’s confidence in their new RB22, which is powered by the latest Red Bull-Ford power unit—a significant shift aimed at enhancing performance and reliability for the upcoming season.
As teams look to gather vital data, the primary objectives during this initial testing phase continue to center around reliability and system checks. The full pre-season tests later in the year will provide a clearer picture of competitive dynamics as teams refine their cars and strategies.
Looking forward, expectations are high for Max Verstappen to participate later in the week, as Red Bull seeks to maximize their running time and gather comprehensive data for both drivers. Hadjar’s successful morning will serve as a confidence boost for the young driver, who aims to build on this foundation as the season unfolds.
In terms of lap counts, Haas distinguished itself early on, led by Esteban Ocon, who completed an impressive 67 laps, emphasizing the team’s focus on mileage during this critical testing phase. Valtteri Bottas from Cadillac and Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi rounded out the morning with times of 1:24.651 and 1:25.296, respectively.
The five-day testing period, running from January 26 to 30, includes selected teams: Red Bull, Racing Bulls, Mercedes, Alpine, Haas, Audi, and Cadillac. Each team is allowed a maximum of three days of running. This limited session marks the first practical insight into the 2026 machines, which showcase advancements like active aerodynamics, lighter chassis components, and sustainable fuels—representing one of the most substantial regulatory changes in decades.
With teams engaging in private pre-season shakedown testing amid a wave of significant new regulations. Red Bull Racing’s Isack Hadjar delivered an impressive performance, topping the unofficial morning timesheets.
In his debut with the senior Red Bull team, Hadjar showcased his potential by completing a commendable 44 laps, with a fastest lap time of 1:18.835. This performance places him ahead of notable competitors, including Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who clocked in at 1:20.700 with 56 laps, and Alpine’s Franco Colapinto, who set a time of 1:21.348 across 28 laps.
As the teams continue testing, enthusiasts will watch for further developments, especially in how they adapt to the regulation changes and fine-tune their cars for the upcoming competitions. The anticipation is palpable for what lies ahead in this exciting season, with Red Bull aiming to lead the charge in performance and innovation.
