Mercedes Dominates Penultimate Day of 2026 Barcelona Pre-Season Test

Mercedes continued its impressive pre-season form on the fourth and penultimate day of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, completing nearly 200 laps and securing a 1-2 finish on the timesheets with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. The session provided crucial final data for teams before the official pre-season test in Bahrain, with some squads potentially concluding their on-track running for this phase.

Why it matters:

Pre-season testing data, especially this close to the Bahrain test, is critical for validating car concepts and reliability ahead of the first race. Mercedes' commanding performance in both mileage and pace signals a strong start to their 2026 campaign, putting immediate pressure on rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari to respond. For other teams, these final laps are a last chance to uncover fundamental issues before shipping cars to the Middle East.

The Details:

• Mercedes' Commanding Day: The Brackley-based team reinforced its strong testing form, with rookie Kimi Antonelli leading the timesheets ahead of teammate George Russell.
• Reliability Benchmark: The squad's achievement of nearly 200 laps between its two drivers underscores a significant focus on reliability and systems checks, a key indicator of pre-season preparedness.
• Strategic Choices: With just one day of running remaining in Barcelona, teams face strategic decisions on whether to conduct final shakedowns or preserve parts for Bahrain, making today's data potentially the last from this venue for some.

What's next:

The final day of the Barcelona shakedown will offer teams a last opportunity for tweaks and checks before the official, and more representative, pre-season test in Bahrain. All focus will then shift to the Middle East, where hotter conditions and a full testing schedule will provide the true first glimpse of the 2026 pecking order ahead of the season opener. Mercedes' early momentum will be put to the ultimate test against the responses from Red Bull, Ferrari, and the chasing pack.