P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The first test of 2026 may be behind closed doors, but information always leaks. Here is an overview of what we do know.
The first pre-season test of 2026 is currently underway in Barcelona, where teams have three days of running behind closed doors to evaluate their new cars with upgraded power units and aerodynamics. Red Bull commenced their testing with Isack Hadjar driving the RB22, while Max Verstappen is expected to join soon to put the new car through its paces. Williams and Aston Martin are facing challenges and delays in their testing programs due to crash test failures and opting not to run for now, respectively. Ferrari and McLaren have different schedules, with Ferrari starting on Tuesday and McLaren conducting a short shakedown on Monday with special Pirelli tires. New entrants Audi and Cadillac are also on track, with all teams eager to kick off the testing phase and showcase their performance potential in the new F1 season.
