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End of season Abu Dhabi Test reveals new tech for 2026

Motorsport Technology
1 month ago
3 min read

The season ending Abu Dhabi F1 Test gave a glimpse into the future not only in showcasing the stars of the future but also the new regulations in place for 2026.

Mercedes were one team to test the new flexible front wing system that uses active aerodynamics, Kimi Antonelli running the front wing system that can switch into a low-downforce mode along the straights at the touch of a button.

And it was Antonelli who was the quickest of these cars also running the 2026 Pirelli compound tyres for the first time.

“We’ve had a very useful day of running with both cars here in Abu Dhabi,” commented Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director. “Kimi experienced the 2026 Pirelli tyres and completed 156 laps.

“We were able to have a first look at the final compounds and casings for next year and completed several tests to understand how they respond to setup changes. He was also running a lower downforce level to simulate next year’s car too which will be useful data for us to evaluate.”

Isack Hadjar got his first taste of action driving for his new Red Bull Racing team as Max Verstappen went home after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Of the new kids on the block, Jack Crawford was fastest of all, clocking a 1m23.766s to finish ahead of the Sauber of Paul Aron and Luke Browning’s Williams, Frederick Vesti and Ayumu Iwasa.

Antonelli was next in the lap times ahead of Pat O’Ward’s McLaren, Dino Beganovic’s Ferrari and Oscar Piastri.

“I am happy with our day’s work here in Abu Dhabi. It all went very smoothly, and we were able to complete nearly 160 laps of running,” added Antonelli. “That is valuable data that we have gathered about the 2026 tyres that we will evaluate and utilise ahead of next season.”

Arvind Lindblad got his first taste of action in the Racing Bull and finished 17th quickest behind new teammate Liam Lawson.

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