Formula 1 has started its first 2026 testing week at the Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya in Spain. This testing is the first time in 2026 when multiple teams will run their cars on a real track before the season begins.
The testing takes place from January 26 to January 30, and teams can drive their cars during this testing event. The tests are being done in private, which means audience and TV cameras are not allowed at the track.
This event is called the Barcelona “shakedown,” and its main purpose is to check that new cars work properly. Teams want to make sure that engines, brakes, tires, and other parts are safe and prepared for races.
The 2026 season will be very different because of big changes in the rules. The cars now have new power units, new aerodynamics, and a balance between electric and fuel power. These changes mean teams need more time on the track to learn how the cars behave.
Because of the rule changes, team bosses are being careful. Some teams are planning how to use their three testing days, and some are not running on the first day so they can focus more on developing their cars in the garage.
One team, Williams, has said it will not take part in the Barcelona test at all because their new car is not ready. The team says it needs more time to make sure the car works well. Williams now plans to test later in Bahrain, where the next official tests are planned.
Another top team, McLaren, will not run on the first day of testing. They want to give themselves more time to work on their car before it goes out on the track.
During the first day of testing, different cars were already seen on track and teams began gathering data. Teams completed session rounds on the track and checked new parts.
Because the test is private, there will be no live TV coverage or details for fans. Many people who follow F1 are watching updates through nightly show highlights and social media because the teams are not sharing full details.
The Barcelona testing gives teams a chance to find problems early. If teams find any problem, they can fix it before the season officially started in Melbourne(Australia) in March. Teams will continue testing in Bahrain in February with public coverage and longer running sessions.
Even though fans cannot see the event live, still the Barcelona test is an important part of the F1. It helps teams to learn about their new cars and gives drivers a first ride on track with new machines.
The coming season is full of change and fans are exited for it, and this first winter test is the start of that journey for all the teams in Formula 1.