Overview
- Mercedes topped the mileage in Barcelona and described the field’s reliability as “astonishing,” suggesting a sturdier baseline than many expected for the new rules.
- Drivers report altered techniques with the 2026 package, including downshifts on straights and lift‑and‑coast even on qualifying laps, while Lewis Hamilton says the cars feel more enjoyable to drive.
- Overtaking remains uncertain after Haas drivers found following more difficult and the new Overtake mode not yet a clear fix in initial runs.
- Early impressions point to Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren setting the pace, while Audi suffered repeated failures that left what Mattia Binotto called a “very, very long list” of issues to address.
- Several manufacturers raised engine‑compression measurement concerns with the FIA regarding Mercedes/Red Bull Powertrains; Toto Wolff insists compliance as teams target Bahrain tests on 11–13 and 18–20 February to validate upgrades.