Barcelona Shakedown 2026: Day Three (Special Guest!)

In this episode of the F1 2026 podcast covering day three of the Barcelona Shakedown, hosts discuss significant developments from the circuit. McLaren made its anticipated debut with a new black-liveried car, demonstrating effective performance despite a delayed start. Analysis of the car's design indicates it's competitive, with features like a detailed front wing and well-constructed floor. They are cautiously optimistic about its readiness for the first race in Melbourne.

Mercedes dominated the day, clocking the most laps and quick times from both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Their new car, the W17, looks promising for the season ahead. Facilitating their performance is a power unit that several teams are aiming to keep pace with, given the tighter regulations on engine improvements this year.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen of Red Bull faced challenges, having completed minimal laps due to another driver’s crash that damaged parts of his car, limiting his ability to practice in dry conditions.

Williams was notably absent from the shakedown, with team principal James Vowles discussing the painful decision to skip the test. He emphasized that while they had passed key tests, they were not yet ready due to delays in their car's program, aiming for a strong showing in Bahrain.

The episode also features guest Franco Colopinto, who discusses his experience about adapting to the new car innovations and the dynamics with a Mercedes engine. He notes the change in driving style required with less downforce and the challenge of managing battery energy for optimal performance in both qualifying and racing scenarios. The day wraps up with a focus on teams preparing for upcoming tests and races, fostering anticipation for the new F1 season.