Barcelona Shakedown 2026: Day One Review

In this episode of F1 2026, the hosts review the first day of testing at the Barcelona Shakedown under new regulations. Seven out of eleven teams participated, which surprised the analysts due to previous chatter about teams delaying runs to gather data on improving track conditions, especially with rain; hence, teams wanted to maximize test opportunities on the first day. Significant mentions include Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin, who opted not to run, while others like Mercedes and Red Bull showcased promising performances with numerous completed laps.

Bernie Collins notes changes in the cars, particularly highlighting their smaller dimensions and the new hazard lights designed for better visibility in wet conditions. The discussion also delves into the introduction of active aerodynamics with varying rear and front wing timings to optimize downforce, drawing positive remarks from the analysts regarding the performance of teams like Ferrari.

The analysts discuss the surprising robustness of the Red Bull and Mercedes teams, who achieved high lap counts despite warnings of reliability issues with new engines. They also touch on the ongoing challenges faced by teams like Williams, who due to failing crash tests, did not participate in the shakedown.

The episode wraps up with a teaser for future discussions, including the implications of new power unit technologies and comparisons among competing teams. The general sentiment shows cautious optimism for the season ahead, emphasizing the competitive spirit and the challenges of adapting to new regulations in F1.