Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Official data from the 2026 pre-season programme confirms that Mercedes completed the highest mileage across the Barcelona shakedown and Bahrain test, while Honda recorded the fewest laps ahead of the new campaign.
With the introduction of the revised 2026 power unit regulations, high mileage has been critical for understanding energy deployment, combustion efficiency, battery management, and long-run reliability. Teams and manufacturers used both the Barcelona filming day and the Bahrain official test to accumulate as much operational data as possible under race-representative conditions.
Mercedes topped the overall mileage table with 4,098 laps. The German manufacturer benefits from supplying four teams on the grid, giving it a broader data pool and more real-world feedback across different chassis configurations. The additional running provides a significant advantage in refining control systems and maximising the new power unit’s performance envelope.
Ferrari ranked second with 3,084 laps, approximately 1,000 fewer than Mercedes. However, Ferrari supplies one fewer team, which partly explains the mileage gap. The Italian manufacturer nonetheless achieved substantial running as it continues to fine-tune its 2026 engine package.
Red Bull Powertrains completed 2,021 laps, placing third overall. Audi, in its first full season as a power unit supplier, logged 941 laps — a moderate total that reflects the challenges of entering a new regulatory cycle.
The most concerning figure belongs to Honda, which recorded just 394 laps. The Japanese manufacturer’s return to Formula 1 in partnership with Aston Martin has proven demanding during testing, with limited mileage suggesting potential reliability or integration issues. In a regulation era that places increased emphasis on electrical energy deployment and engine control precision, the relative lack of running could impact early-season competitiveness.
Below is the full breakdown of laps completed by each manufacturer during 2026 F1 pre-season testing:
2026 F1 Pre-Season Testing: Total Laps by Manufacturer
| Position | Manufacturer | Laps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes | 4,098 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 3,084 |
| 3 | Red Bull Powertrains | 2,021 |
| 4 | Audi | 941 |
| 5 | Honda | 394 |
With pre-season testing now concluded, attention turns to the opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The disparity in mileage provides an early indicator of preparation levels under the new power unit regulations, where operational understanding and reliability may prove decisive in the initial phase of competition.
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