F1 Enters New Era with Ultra-Private Barcelona Test

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Formula 1 has officially entered its new regulatory era after completing the first day of collective on-track running during a highly restricted pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The Barcelona running marks the first of three pre-season tests ahead of the 2026 campaign and is being held across five days this week in Spain. All 11 teams were invited to participate, although each outfit is limited to a maximum of three days of running over the course of the test.

Most Secretive Test in Modern F1

Information from the circuit has been extremely limited. Formula 1 has implemented unusually strict security measures to ensure the opening test of the new era remains almost entirely confidential.

Officially classified as a behind-closed-doors “shakedown”, the Barcelona test features no official timing, no live television coverage, and no media access. Circuit gates have remained locked, with security patrols positioned around the perimeter to prevent photographers, journalists, or fans from catching any glimpse of on-track action.

During the morning session, an unofficial YouTube stream featuring live timing briefly surfaced, but it was swiftly taken down later in the day, reinforcing Formula 1’s determination to keep early data private.

Seven Teams Run on Day One

From the limited information available, it is understood that seven of the 11 teams completed some running on Monday. Reigning world champions McLaren and Ferrari had already confirmed they would skip at least the opening day of the test as part of their respective development strategies.

Williams, meanwhile, is missing the entire Barcelona test after failing to have its 2026 car ready in time, following delays in its development programme.

Aston Martin Also Delayed

It also emerged on Monday that Aston Martin finds itself in a similar position, although the team has framed the situation differently. The Silverstone-based outfit has stated that its delayed appearance is a deliberate decision aimed at maximising development time before the car turns a wheel.

Aston Martin is not expected to join the test until Thursday at the earliest, meaning it will almost certainly lose at least one of the three days of running permitted under the regulations.

Strategic Significance of Day One

The opening day of the Barcelona test was never intended to reveal competitive order. Instead, teams are focused on validating baseline systems, correlating simulator data, and checking the integration of all-new power units and aerodynamic concepts introduced under the 2026 regulations.

The extreme level of secrecy surrounding the test underlines how sensitive the first running of this new generation of cars is. Any early technical insight could represent a meaningful competitive advantage as teams shape their development direction.

Running at Barcelona will continue throughout the week before Formula 1 moves on to two further pre-season tests in Bahrain. While public information remains scarce, the first day in Spain has officially marked the beginning of Formula 1’s most transformative era in years.