F1 2026 Barcelona Pre-Season Test Day Three Begins

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - on-track activity for Day 3 of the Formula 1 2026 pre-season test officially began at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday, with improved weather conditions encouraging more teams to commence their running.

The behind-closed-doors test marks Formula 1’s first official on-track action ahead of the 2026 season, with each team permitted to run for only three days across the five-day testing window. Dry conditions defined the opening day, while heavy rain dominated Tuesday’s running, significantly limiting data collection and programme execution.

Clearer conditions on Wednesday have shifted the focus toward aerodynamic validation, system checks, and correlation work under more representative circumstances. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team was among the first teams confirmed on track, with George Russell completing early laps, while the Haas F1 Team also confirmed it would run its car during the session.

In contrast, Oracle Red Bull Racing will not take part on Day 3. The team continues to conduct technical assessments on the RB22 following an incident involving Isack Hadjar during Tuesday’s running, a decision that further limits Red Bull’s remaining track time ahead of the Bahrain test.

Track action was briefly interrupted by a red flag after Nico Hülkenberg stopped on circuit between Turns 9 and 10 while driving for the Audi F1 Team. The stoppage adds to Audi’s early testing concerns, after Gabriel Bortoleto completed limited mileage on Monday due to a technical issue.

With weather conditions stabilising but track time becoming increasingly limited, Day 3 represents a critical opportunity for teams yet to log meaningful mileage. Attention now turns to reliability, baseline performance validation, and operational readiness before Formula 1 moves to the next phase of pre-season testing ahead of the 2026 campaign.