F1 2026 Testing Live: Day 3 Updates from Barcelona
The 2026 Formula 1 season is in full swing, with just six weeks until the first race in Australia. Teams are gearing up for a campaign filled with unknowns, thanks to new regulations that offer a fresh start for all 11 teams. Cadillac, the newest addition since Haas in 2016, joins the grid, while Audi takes over Sauber, and Ford partners with Red Bull to develop their own engines.
Despite McLaren's recent success, with Lando Norris claiming the drivers' title last year, Mercedes is rumored to be the frontrunner this season. However, the true contenders will only be revealed when the cars hit the track.
This week's behind-closed-doors test in Barcelona is the first of three pre-season sessions, with official tests in Bahrain next month. Williams, unfortunately, won't be participating this week due to delays with their car.
Stay tuned for live updates from The Independent as we bring you all the action from the F1 pre-season testing.
What to Expect Tomorrow?
McLaren will make its debut tomorrow, despite the wet weather. The question arises: will any of the teams that sat out today choose to test in the wet conditions tomorrow?
Join us tomorrow at 8 am (GMT) for Day 3 of the pre-season test in Barcelona!
Day 2 Highlights:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1:19:578 (27 laps)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 1:20:844 (66 laps)
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) - 1:31:891 (42 laps)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 1:32:872 (57 laps)
Day 2 - Ferrari's Performance
Lewis Hamilton completed 56 laps, with a fastest time of 1:32:872. Charles Leclerc, who had some dry running in the morning, posted 64 laps and a quickest time of 1:20:844.
Ferrari's 120 laps in one day were considered a solid start to their testing program.
McLaren's Testing Schedule
The reigning world champions, McLaren, have missed the first two days to maximize development time on their car. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are expected to take to the track over the next few days.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Charles Leclerc's Take on Ferrari's First Day
'The car is very different from what we've been driving. Our focus is on understanding if everything is working properly, which it mostly did, despite the rain this morning.
We're not prioritizing performance; instead, we're examining all the new systems on the car to ensure they function as intended. And they did, so that's a positive. We'll gradually progress through our program.'
Hamilton's Brief Off-Track Incident
Lewis Hamilton briefly went off the track but recovered quickly, a common occurrence in slippery conditions.
Isack Hadjar's Crash
Isack Hadjar's rear-end collided with the barrier at turn 14, but the damage to the car was minimal.
Fun Among the Ferrari Boys
Even promotional days can have lighter moments.
Hamilton's Shakedown Experience
'Last year was the first time I sat in a red car, a unique experience. This year, the cockpit is white due to the new livery, which is great. I hope I still fit after the winter break, and I do! It's thrilling to feel the car's vibrations and see the fans at Turn 1 when the garage door opens.'
Hamilton expressed his excitement and passion for reconnecting with the team and its followers.
