F1 teams completed the first week of 2026 pre-season testing in Barcelona. Mercedes made a strong impression, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli combining for the highest mileage, suggesting early dominance. Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, set the fastest lap time of the week, signaling a promising start for the team after a disappointing 2025 season.

Ferrari showed encouraging signs, piling up laps and Hamilton being upbeat about the new car's handling. Red Bull's new engine also performed well, defying expectations of early issues. Testing was a shakedown for teams to get accustomed to new power unit and chassis regulations. The official testing events organized by Formula 1 will take place in Bahrain.

These initial tests offered valuable insights into the performance of the new cars. The teams will now focus on preparing for the official testing events in Bahrain. With the Australian Grand Prix on the horizon, fans eagerly await the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, anticipating a thrilling championship battle.

Mercedes' early pace and the positive feedback from both Ferrari and Red Bull indicate a competitive season ahead. The new regulations, including the new power unit, are expected to shake up the established order. The focus will now shift to Bahrain for further testing, giving teams more opportunities to refine their cars before the season opener.