Antonelli Tops Morning Timesheet as 2026 Pre-Season Testing Continues in Barcelona

Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time for Mercedes on the final morning of pre-season testing in Barcelona, while Lewis Hamilton completed nearly 90 laps for Ferrari as teams continued their 2026 preparations with limited participation.

Why it matters:

Pre-season testing offers the first tangible glimpse of the new pecking order, even if lap times are heavily influenced by unknown fuel loads and run plans. Antonelli's pace for Mercedes and Hamilton's high mileage for Ferrari provide early, if inconclusive, data points ahead of the new season.

The details:

• Mercedes' Productive Run: Kimi Antonelli logged almost 90 laps and set the benchmark time of 1:17.081, suggesting a reliable start for the team's 2026 package.
• Hamilton's Ferrari Mileage: Lewis Hamilton, back in the cockpit, also completed 87 laps for Ferrari, finishing third on the timesheet but focusing on consistent running over outright pace.
• Limited Field: Only five cars took to the track during the morning session. Oscar Piastri was second for McLaren, with Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) and Sergio Perez (Cadillac) rounding out the order.
• Aston Martin Absent: Aston Martin did not run in the morning but is expected to join the test later with Lance Stroll.

What's next:

Teams will analyze the data from the morning runs before continuing with their programs in the afternoon session. The real-world mileage and reliability checks are invaluable, but the true competitive picture will only begin to emerge at the first race.