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F1 testing 2026: Barcelona shakedown times as Isack Hadjar stars
F1 pre-season testing began today at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but fans could not watch it due to a coverage blackout during the private shakedown.
There are 11 days of testing before the new season starts, allowing teams time to prepare for the regulations overhaul.
Some information on lap times and team performance was released by F1, despite the blackout, using a data feed.
In the morning session at Barcelona, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and Isack Hadjar of Red Bull were fastest, with Haas’ Esteban Ocon completing the most laps.
In the afternoon, George Russell in the Mercedes set the fastest time, followed closely by Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar.
Overall, Mercedes and Haas each completed over 100 laps, showing good reliability amidst the regulation changes.
A shakedown is when teams take to the track for the first time to test new car features without restrictions on laps, usually away from public view.
Sky Sports will provide testing highlights each night at 7pm (UK time) throughout the week to keep viewers informed on the Barcelona shakedown.
