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McLaren has confirmed it will miss the first day of F1 pre-season testing in Barcelona, in a decision that reveals much about the reigning champion’s 2026 preparations.
McLaren has announced it will not participate in the first day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Barcelona, indicating their strategic approach to the 2026 season preparations.
Attention is shifting towards the testing programs each team will undertake as they gear up to hit the track for the first time in Barcelona next week.
The limited testing days allocated by the FIA make the pre-season mileage crucial for teams to familiarize themselves with the new cars.
Despite the surprise decision to skip the initial day, McLaren plans to conduct a shakedown directly at the test with their new MCL40, which is currently undergoing testing in Austria.
Team Principal Andrea Stella emphasized that the extra time for development was their main priority, aiming to maximize their performance throughout the season by utilizing all available testing days effectively.
