What Does Barcelona's Shakedown Reveal About F1 2026?

This article explores the latest developments in Formula 1 as George Russell joins an elite group of drivers who won grands prix in 2025. With Mercedes emerging as pre-season favourites for 2026, recent testing has revealed significant insights about the new cars and technologies, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the new Formula 1 season approaches, there is heightened anticipation following the recent pre-season testing in Spain. George Russell’s victory in 2025 positions him among the top drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Mercedes has established itself as the team to beat, demonstrating strong performance during the 'shakedown' test. While Lewis Hamilton's impressive lap time crowned him the fastest driver of the week, the testing phase was primarily focused on reliability and learning about the new cars, rather than outright pace.

Key takeaways

Mercedes showed strong performance and reliability during the pre-season testing.
New regulations introduced significant changes to car design and engine technology.
Testing focused on learning rather than outright speed, making lap times less significant.

Timeline: how we got here

Key milestones leading up to the current state of Formula 1 include:

2025: George Russell, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen emerge as leading drivers, with Russell winning a grand prix.
February 2026: Pre-season testing held in Spain, focusing on reliability and learning about the new regulations.
March 2026: The season officially kicks off, with teams finalising their preparations for the first race.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The pre-season testing revealed that Mercedes remains a strong contender for the 2026 season, backed by positive feedback from their drivers. The new power units and car designs have sparked excitement in the paddock, with teams adapting to the latest technological advancements.

What was already established

Prior to the tests, it was understood that the regulations had undergone the most dramatic changes in the sport's history, impacting car design and engine technology significantly. Teams had anticipated these changes, particularly concerning energy management and the introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the 2026 season unfolds, fans in the UK can expect an engaging spectacle, especially with the introduction of new technologies that promise more thrilling races. The excitement around local heroes like Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will likely boost viewership and engagement with the sport.

Businesses and jobs

The advancements in F1 technology and the introduction of sustainable fuels could influence various UK industries, particularly those focused on automotive engineering and renewable energy. As teams adapt to the new regulations, job opportunities may arise in sectors related to car manufacturing and technology development.

Policy and regulation

With the significant changes in regulations, the sport's governing body, the FIA, has set the stage for a more competitive environment. Upcoming consultations and discussions may further refine these regulations as teams navigate the new landscape.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of new hybrid elements in the engine design, which produces three times as much power as before.
50%: Percentage of power generated by the electrical component of the new hybrid engines.
16: The fastest lap time set by Hamilton during the pre-season tests, at one minute 16.348 seconds.
4: The number of teams that experienced reliability issues during the tests, indicating a steep learning curve.
60: The number of laps completed by Fernando Alonso, providing valuable data for Aston Martin despite limited track time.

Definitions and jargon buster

Shakedown: A pre-season test to ensure cars are functioning correctly.
Hybrid engine: An engine combining traditional fuel power with electric power for improved efficiency.
MGU-H: Motor Generator Unit - Heat; a component that recovers energy from the turbo and exhaust (now removed in the new regulations).

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Teams will continue to refine their cars and adapt to the new regulations as they prepare for the first races. Ongoing testing in Bahrain will provide further insights into performance and reliability.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, teams will gather data from races to optimise their strategies and performance. Early indicators from the first few races will shape the competitive landscape.

Signals to watch

Lap times from upcoming tests in Bahrain.
Reliability reports during the early races of the season.
Performance comparisons between teams as they adapt to the new regulations.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about team announcements and performance during testing.
Engage with fan communities to discuss strategies and predictions for the season.
Follow updates on regulation changes and their implications for teams.

Don’t

Assume that pre-season testing results will directly translate to race performance.
Overlook the importance of reliability in the early stages of the season.
Neglect the impact of new technologies on race strategies.

Checklist

Review team performances from pre-season testing.
Understand the key changes in regulations and their potential effects.
Monitor the latest updates from teams regarding car developments.
Engage with various platforms to keep up with F1 news and discussions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Despite the promising performances during testing, uncertainties remain regarding the long-term reliability of the new technologies. Several teams experienced issues that could affect their competitive status as the season unfolds. Additionally, with the complexity of the new regulations, teams may face challenges in fully understanding and optimising their performance in the early races.

Bottom line

The pre-season testing has set the stage for an exciting 2026 Formula 1 season, with Mercedes emerging as strong contenders. As teams adapt to the new regulations and technologies, fans can expect thrilling races and evolving strategies as the season progresses.

FAQs

What are the main changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season?

The 2026 season introduces significant changes in car design and engine technology, focusing on hybrid engines and sustainable fuels, which promise to enhance racing dynamics.

How did the pre-season testing in Spain go for the teams?

The pre-season testing was largely positive for teams, especially Mercedes, who demonstrated strong reliability and performance despite the focus being on learning rather than outright speed.

What challenges do teams face with the new regulations?

Teams face the challenge of adapting to new technologies and energy management requirements, which will require significant learning and development to optimise performance throughout the season.