Barcelona Shakedown 2026: Day Five Review

In the final episode of the Barcelona Shakedown, host Ted Kravitz, alongside Craig Slater and Bernie Collins, recaps the teams' performances during the test. They discuss the completion of the five-day shakedown, highlighting the progress made by various teams and their new cars. Notably, Mercedes showcased impressive mileage, completing 500 laps, while Williams struggled without any laps completed due to issues surrounding their car.

Ferrari and McLaren performed well with strong lap counts, and the focus shifted to the stunning look of the new Aston Martin AMR 26, designed by Adrian Newey. The guests deep-dive into the technical aspects of the cars, particularly the aerodynamic features of the Aston Martin and how they compare to previous designs.

A pecking order is discussed based on observed performances, with Mercedes at the top, followed closely by McLaren and Red Bull, raising speculations about their competitiveness during the upcoming season. The introduction of new regulations regarding active aero and overtake modes indicates a shift in race strategy, where energy management will play a critical role in driver tactics during races. The show wraps up with anticipation for the Bahrain tests, promising an exciting season ahead.