Mercedes dominates Barcelona shakedown mileage as Aston Martin makes brief debut

Mercedes completed another strong day of testing in Barcelona, while Aston Martin finally debuted its 2026 car for just five laps before causing a red flag. McLaren's running was cut short by a fuel system issue, highlighting the mixed fortunes for teams during this crucial pre-season data-gathering phase.

Why it matters:

The Barcelona shakedown provides the first real-world data on the new 2026 cars, and mileage reliability is a critical early indicator. Mercedes' trouble-free running builds a foundation of confidence, while teams like Aston Martin and McLaren facing issues must solve them quickly before the competitive season begins.

The details:

• Mercedes' Mileage Mastery: George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli continued their testing program, focusing on long runs and power unit modes. The team has now exhausted its three-day allowance, completing by far the most laps of any team with its reliable W17.
• Aston Martin's Delayed Debut: The Adrian Newey-designed AMR26, featuring a unique sidepod and engine cover design, finally ran with Lance Stroll at the wheel. The team only managed five laps in the final hour before the car stopped on track, triggering a red flag. Fernando Alonso is scheduled to drive the car on the final day.
• McLaren's Technical Halt: Oscar Piastri's day in the new MCL40 ended after 48 laps due to a fuel system issue. The team brought the car back to the garage for a full investigation, aiming to fix the problem for Friday's running.
• Other Team Updates: Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a productive dry day with Ferrari, completing 85 laps after Tuesday's wet running. Racing Bulls also finished its three-day program, while Alpine, Audi, Haas, and Red Bull sat out the day's session.

What's next:

Friday marks the fifth and final day of the Barcelona shakedown. All eyes will be on Aston Martin to see if it can achieve more meaningful mileage and on McLaren to resolve its fuel system problem. Teams will then analyze the collected data before the official pre-season test in Bahrain, where the true competitive picture will start to develop.