Max Verstappen topped the timesheets on the first morning of 2026 pre-season testing, signaling a strong start for Red Bull in F1’s most radical era yet. Verstappen’s 1:35.433 on medium tyres was 0.169s faster than McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Despite an early front-left lock-up that sent smoke billowing from his new challenger, Hamilton finished the morning fourth fastest, just behind Mercedes’ George Russell.
Teams are navigating massive rule changes involving new chassis, power units, and active aerodynamics.
The first Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin, now powered by Honda, had a quiet start, with Lance Stroll finishing over four seconds off the pace.
18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad impressed for Racing Bulls, ending the morning in sixth.
After missing the Barcelona shakedown, Williams finally hit the track with Carlos Sainz, placing seventh.
While Verstappen holds the early advantage, testing times remain deceptive as teams experiment with energy management and “ridiculously complex” new regulations.
