Formula 1's highly anticipated 2026 pre-season testing phase is now officially underway, with teams gathering at the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain for a crucial week of on-track action. However, the paddock is not at full strength, as one prominent constructor has confirmed its absence from this initial shakedown session.
Testing Schedule and Format Details
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been exclusively reserved for the entire week, allowing teams to run their cars on track from Monday through to Friday. In a strategic twist, each team is limited to just three days of running out of the available five. This means that if a squad opts to utilise Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for their testing programme, they will be required to sit out the remaining Thursday and Friday sessions entirely.
Expanded Pre-Season Testing Calendar
This Barcelona test does not stand alone as the sole pre-season opportunity for teams. While recent years have seen a restriction to merely three days of pre-season testing, the introduction of sweeping new engine and aerodynamic regulations for the 2026 campaign has prompted the FIA to allocate up to nine days of valuable track time this season. Following the Barcelona block, two additional three-day testing sessions are scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in February.
Limited Fan Access and Viewing Restrictions
For fans eager to catch an early glimpse of the new machinery, there is disappointing news. The teams collectively requested that this first block of testing be conducted entirely in private. With numerous new components, particularly within the power units, engineers anticipate encountering some initial teething problems as the cars hit the track in real-world conditions for the very first time. Teams are keen to minimise external scrutiny during these sensitive early runs.
How to Follow the Action
Despite the closed-door policy, supporters will not be left completely in the dark. Comprehensive coverage will be provided for any major news stories emerging from the Barcelona circuit throughout the week. Official social media channels are expected to publish photographs and video footage of the cars on track. Additionally, interviews with drivers and team principals are likely to offer further insights into the early performance and development of the 2026 challengers.
On-Track Action and Team Participation
The first cars to venture onto the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Monday morning were perhaps unsurprising, given their recent confident demeanours. Mercedes, widely tipped as pre-season favourites by many analysts, were the first to deploy their 2026 car. They were swiftly followed by the newcomer Audi and then the Alpine team, signalling an eager start for these squads.
Conversely, several teams opted for a more cautious approach. McLaren has publicly confirmed it will not be running on the opening day, insisting this is a deliberate choice rather than a result of any developmental delays. Ferrari is also abstaining from track action on Monday, and it is believed Aston Martin will similarly hold back. This strategic spacing could mean up to seven different teams gracing the circuit throughout the initial day.
The Notable Absence of Williams
A significant talking point is the confirmed absence of the Williams team from the Barcelona shakedown altogether. This leaves the grid one constructor short of the full eleven-team lineup for the 2026 season. Various reasons have been speculated within the paddock, with sources indicating the team may have encountered challenges in reducing the weight of their new car. In an official statement, Williams cited unspecified "delays in the FW48 programme" as the reason for their withdrawal from this test.
