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F1 testing ignites 2026 season: Mercedes and Ferrari dominate while Red Bull surprises with power

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 30, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
F1 testing ignites 2026 season: Mercedes and Ferrari dominate while Red Bull surprises with power

MONTMELO, SPAIN - JANUARY 30: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (3) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB22 on track during day five of F1 Shakedown at Circuit de Catalunya on January 30, 2026 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images // SI202601300246 // Usage for editorial use only //

The dawn of a new era in Formula 1 has arrived with the exhilarating first week of testing for the all-new 2026 cars, and the drama unfolding in Barcelona has set the stage for a riveting season ahead. With the backdrop of fresh regulations and revamped power units, the stakes have never been higher. Buckle up as we dive into the electrifying highlights and pivotal takeaways from this thrilling event!

Mercedes Flexes Muscle: A Warning Shot to Rivals! Mercedes has sent shockwaves through the paddock with their commanding performance. Long considered the titans of F1, the Silver Arrows have wasted no time in asserting their dominance as they unleashed their new W17. The team clocked an impressive 500 laps over three days, showcasing their unrivaled reliability and speed. George Russell topped the timesheet with a staggering 1:16.445, proving that even in untested conditions, they remain a formidable force. Russell, in a triumphant tone, remarked on the week’s progress as “very positive,” while teammate Kimi Antonelli echoed confidence as they gear up for the next challenge in Bahrain. Mercedes is clearly ready to reclaim their crown!

Ferrari Roars Back: A Strong Start for the Scuderia! After a dismal 2025 season, Ferrari has emerged from the shadows with renewed vigor. Although their initial run was marred by rain, the team quickly found their rhythm, racking up an impressive 440 laps by the end of the week. The iconic Lewis Hamilton, who finished the testing with the fastest lap of the week at 1:16.348, expressed a rare enthusiasm for testing, calling it “really enjoyable.” With Ferrari seemingly back on track, the Scuderia is poised to challenge for glory once more. Hamilton’s optimism and his newfound enjoyment driving the latest machine suggest that the Maranello squad is ready to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Red Bull’s Smooth Transition: New Engines, No Problems! In a surprising twist, Red Bull has navigated the launch of their new power unit with unexpected ease. Despite the skepticism surrounding their in-house engine production, early reports show no significant issues, with drivers completing a commendable 196 laps. Isack Hadjar, stepping up as Max Verstappen’s teammate, expressed his astonishment at the team’s productive day, stating, “It was pretty productive, surprisingly.” After a minor setback involving a wet-weather crash, Verstappen returned to the track with a vengeance, logging an impressive 118 laps on the final day. Red Bull’s swift adaptation bodes well for their ambitions in the upcoming season.

Aston Martin’s New Era: The Newey Effect Unveiled! The anticipation surrounding Adrian Newey’s first design for Aston Martin culminated in a dramatic unveiling on Thursday. Though they missed out on crucial testing days, the AMR26 made an immediate impression with its striking design. Observers noted its distinctive wider nose and robust sidepods, hallmarks of Newey’s genius. As Aston Martin navigates this new chapter with Honda’s engines, the question remains—can they harness this potential to disrupt the established order?

Teething Troubles for New Teams: The Road Ahead! While the established teams have demonstrated their prowess, the newcomers face significant hurdles. Cadillac struggled with reliability, completing only 164 laps, while Audi dealt with their share of challenges as they transition to a full-fledged works team. Nevertheless, both teams are optimistic that the upcoming Bahrain tests will provide the necessary mileage to refine their machines before the season opener in Melbourne.

As the countdown to the 2026 Formula 1 season ticks down, each team is now bracing for the official testing in Bahrain. With Mercedes and Ferrari looking formidable and Red Bull surprising everyone, fans are in for a sensational season. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted championship glory? The pressure is on, and the excitement is palpable!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2019-red-bull-crandon-world-cup2026-formula-1-seasonaf-corse-ferrarigeorge-russell-2getspeed-mercedesLewis Hamiltonmax-verstappen-en
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