Barcelona Shakedown 2026: Day Two Review

In the latest podcast episode covering Day Two of the Barcelona Shakedown for F1 2026, hosts and racing experts Karun Chandok and Anthony Davidson analyze the early performances of various teams. The show begins with a focus on Red Bull, which has significantly developed a new engine from scratch, showing impressive reliability and lap counts. Chandok and Davidson commend Red Bull for scaling their operation from a small team to a competitive engine manufacturer in a short timeframe. They note the contrast to historical teams that have been in the industry for decades.

As the discussion shifts to other teams, the hosts express cautious optimism about Mercedes, indicating they are focusing on reliability rather than performance at this stage of testing. Ferrari's participation is also highlighted; they remain hopeful but still need dry running after a slow start. The conversation touches on the effect of rainy conditions on teams that haven't achieved significant lap time, particularly for McLaren and Aston Martin, which have yet to run much.

The hosts explore how volatility in weather can create both challenges and learning opportunities for teams, especially regarding energy management and the new regulations governing energy usage in F1 cars. They also delve into specific technical aspects, including new aerodynamic designs and changes in energy recovery systems that could impact performance over the season.

The episode continues with thoughtful discourse on the emerging dynamics of the new teams, such as Cadillac, which promises to bring fresh perspectives and efforts, despite the heavy lifting required to compete in modern F1. The experts stress the importance of reliability as teams navigate through the shakedown, keeping a close eye on the implications for future races, especially given the evolving nature of the rules in Formula 1.