Secretive first F1 2026 shakedown in Barcelona produces positives

The much-anticipated 2026 Formula One season got its wheels in motion for the first time in Barcelona as a number of teams conducted extensive running for the first time.

Indeed, it was a very secretive and somewhat undercover operation, the world’s most distinguished F1 journalists locked out of the circuit and left in limbo about how to get a sneak peek.

#F1testing highlights…https://t.co/7zDGU0RmEo

— Craig Scarborough (@ScarbsTech) January 26, 2026

Although that proved somewhat fruitless, the official F1 website was allowed access, so we could see the respective new chassis and hear the new Turbocharged 1600cc Hybrid MGU-K unit growling around the Circuit de Catalunya.

Lap times were also released, already proving that the cars are as quick, if not quicker than at the same stage last year.

Day 1 complete ✅

Onto tomorrow in Barcelona! 🙌#F1 pic.twitter.com/riBq1I32FE

— Formula 1 (@F1) January 26, 2026

New Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar topped the times, completing a substantial108 laps of the circuit in setting a 1m18.159s mark.

Next came George Russell in his Mercedes, also completing a healthy 98 laps ahead of Franco Colopinto, teammate Kimi Antonelli and Esteban Ocon.

That’s a wrap on Day 1 in Barcelona! ✅👊#F1 pic.twitter.com/OoSdkEjGKB

— Formula 1 (@F1) January 26, 2026

Liam Lawson, Valtteri Bottas, Gabriel Bortoleto and Sergio Perez rounded out the times as the new Cadillac and Audi teams also got in some running.

“The cars looked really cool out on the circuit and that’s positive for our sport,” George Russell is quoted by Andrew Benson on BBC Sport. “They are quite different for us as drivers but, once you get your head around it, driving them is quite intuitive.

“It’s enjoyable being behind the wheel and there’s a lot for fans to look forward to with these new regulations.”