Formula 1 has officially launched its most radical era yet, as 10 teams began a private, five-day testing window at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
In a move to hide potential reliability issues, teams have barred independent media from the track.
The sport is undergoing its largest-ever regulation shift, replacing every core component of the car. A 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, fueled by 100% sustainable carbon-neutral fuel.
Moveable front and rear wings replace DRS, paired with a new “Manual Override” electrical boost for overtaking.
There is also lighter, narrower cars with the return of “step-plane” flat floors, moving away from recent ground-effect designs.
While Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) and George Russell (Mercedes) have already completed shakedowns, the paddock is split on strategy.
McLaren is delaying its start to maximize development time, while Williams has been forced to skip the Barcelona test entirely due to car-build delays.
The increased complexity of energy management is expected to favor veteran drivers like Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. Fans will have to wait for the final pre-season test in Bahrain (Feb 18–20) for the first live televised look at the new grid before the season opener in Melbourne on March 8.
