F1 2026 Testing Live: Hamilton's Ferrari Debut as New Era Dawns in Barcelona

Follow live Formula 1 action from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the 2026 season edges closer, with the first glimpse of the revolutionary new cars on the racetrack. This week's behind-closed-doors test marks a pivotal moment for the sport, introducing sweeping regulatory changes that promise to reshape the competitive landscape.

A New Chapter for Formula 1

The 2026 Formula 1 campaign is rapidly approaching, with just six weeks remaining until the curtain-raiser in Australia. Teams are now immersed in preparations for a season brimming with uncertainty and opportunity. The introduction of fresh regulations this year effectively provides a clean slate for all eleven competing teams, setting the stage for a potential shake-up in the established order.

Significant changes to the grid include the arrival of Cadillac as the first new constructor since Haas joined in 2016. Furthermore, Audi has completed its takeover of the Sauber outfit, while Ford has entered a strategic partnership with Red Bull to develop their own power units. These developments signal a transformative period for the pinnacle of motorsport.

McLaren enters the new season as the reigning champion, having secured both world championships in 2025, with Lando Norris clinching his maiden drivers' title. However, early whispers from the paddock suggest Mercedes may emerge as the early frontrunners under the new rules. Definitive answers, though, will only materialise once the cars begin their on-track evaluation in earnest.

Pre-Season Testing Schedule and Absences

This week's private shakedown in Barcelona constitutes the first of three crucial pre-season sessions for the teams. Official testing is scheduled to follow in Bahrain next month, with sessions running from 11-13 February and 18-20 February. Notably, the Williams team will be absent from this week's running due to delays in the preparation of their new car, focusing their efforts on being ready for the Bahrain tests.

Day 4 Recap: Russell Sets the Pace

The penultimate day of the initial shakedown test concluded with George Russell setting the benchmark. The Mercedes driver posted a rapid lap time of 1:16.445, leading the way once again as the Silver Arrows completed their test programme.

Day 4 Lap Times:

George Russell - 1:16.445 (78 laps)
Kimi Antonelli - 1:17.081 (90 laps)
Charles Leclerc - 1:18.223 (83 laps)
Oscar Piastri - 1:18.419 (48 laps)
Arvid Lindblad - 1:18.451 (47 laps)
Lewis Hamilton - 1:18.654 (87 laps)
Liam Lawson - 1:18.840 (64 laps)
Sergio Perez - 1:21.024 (66 laps)
Lance Stroll - 1:46.404 (5 laps)

Hamilton's Fresh Start with Ferrari

All eyes are on Lewis Hamilton as he embarks on his second year with Scuderia Ferrari. Twelve months into his multi-year contract, his return to the track carries a different tone compared to the feverish anticipation of his debut season. The 2026 season represents an open book, with new regulations potentially forging a new competitive hierarchy. This year offers Hamilton his first genuine opportunity to fully imprint his philosophy and vast experience onto a car designed under these fresh technical rules.

Analysis suggests that after a challenging 2025, Hamilton is now decisively shaping his environment at Maranello, having concluded his previous working relationship with engineer Riccardo Adami. The critical question remains whether the Ferrari technical team has successfully integrated the knowledge gleaned from Hamilton's nineteen years in Formula 1 to produce a car capable of challenging for victories.

Team Updates from the Barcelona Pit Lane

Aston Martin's Late Appearance: The Aston Martin team finally emerged from their garage in the final hour of Day 4. Lance Stroll took the wheel of the AMR26, adorned in a temporary black-and-white livery, managing less than an hour of running. The team's official car launch is scheduled for Monday, 9 February.

Mercedes Shows Strong Pace: George Russell made a significant statement during testing, breaking the 1:17 barrier with a lap of 1:16.928 and later improving to 1:16.641, putting him half a second clear of the field at that stage.

Williams Prepares Off-Track: While absent from the Barcelona test, the Williams team is busy at their Grove headquarters. New signing Carlos Sainz has undergone his seat fitting at the team's base in Oxfordshire, with the squad targeting participation in the upcoming Bahrain tests.

Paddock News: Horner's Potential Alpine Investment

In off-track developments, the Alpine team confirmed that former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is among a group of investors expressing interest in acquiring a stake in the Formula 1 outfit. Horner, who was dismissed from Red Bull following the 2025 British Grand Prix, is now free to return to the sport. Alpine acknowledged that preliminary discussions have taken place regarding the sale of Otro Capital's stake in the team, which finished at the bottom of the constructors' championship last season.

Stay tuned for continuous live updates as Day 5 of F1 2026 pre-season testing gets underway, with Lewis Hamilton expected to take the wheel of the Ferrari SF-26.