Formula One’s top drivers take first steps toward 2026 in closed Barcelona test

January 28, 2026 Oliver Obel

Formula One’s transition toward its 2026 regulations has quietly begun, with Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen all logging early laps during a private test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

The five-day running, held behind closed doors, is not intended to offer meaningful clues about competitiveness. Instead, it provides teams with their first chance to begin understanding cars built to radically revised aerodynamic and power unit rules.

Focus on reliability over performance

The Barcelona sessions have been framed as a low-key “shakedown,” with teams prioritising reliability checks and systems validation rather than outright pace. Engineers are bedding in major technical changes ahead of 2026, including revised in-air controls that will alter how cars behave on track.

As a result, lap times are considered secondary. More representative comparisons are expected during the second and third pre-season tests in Bahrain next month, when teams are likely to run closer to race configurations.

Even then, fuel loads and tyre selections can easily disguise true performance, making early conclusions risky.

Weather limits meaningful data

Any remaining value in headline lap times was further reduced on Tuesday as rain disrupted large portions of the running. Verstappen and Leclerc were among those to benefit from brief dry conditions in the morning, before weather worsened later in the day.

The mixed conditions made direct comparisons difficult and ensured that most data gathered was focused on operational learning rather than speed.

Timing blackout complicates analysis

Transparency was further limited after Monday afternoon. Timing information had initially been shared following an agreement between the Circuit de Catalunya and Formula One’s 11 teams, with the circuit responsible for managing the data feed.

However, the timing screens were switched off midway through the afternoon and have not since been made publicly accessible, leaving teams and observers without a full picture of the running.

Lap times emerge via Spanish media

Some details have still emerged through Spanish outlet SoyMotor. According to its reporting, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar once again topped the afternoon times, repeating his day-one form.

SoyMotor reported Hadjar completing 22 laps with a best time of 1:31.981. Hamilton focused on longer runs, logging 38 laps in the afternoon and setting a best time of 1:33.455.

Earlier in the day, Verstappen recorded a 1:19.578 during dry running, while Leclerc followed with a 1:20.844. As rain returned, lap times dropped sharply, with Leclerc posting a 1:32.088 and Verstappen circulating significantly slower in full wet conditions.

Testing continues as McLaren prepare debut

Images from the circuit showed Hamilton later running on intermediate tyres, while Leclerc briefly used full wets during the morning session, likely benefiting from rubber laid down earlier in the day.

With secrecy and weather shaping much of the early running, firm conclusions remain elusive — by design. Testing continues on Wednesday, when McLaren are expected to give their 2026 car its first on-track outing.

Sources: SoyMotor