Russell Praises Red Bull’s Performance
Isack Hadjar expressed surprise at the exceptional performance of Red Bull Racing during the first day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Barcelona. The French driver topped the timesheets with a lap time of 1:18.159s, finishing half a second ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. Despite the new regulations for the 2026 season, Hadjar’s performance showcased the engine’s potential.
Red Bull’s Strong Start in Barcelona
Hadjar, who has moved up to race alongside Max Verstappen, completed a remarkable 107 laps. His teammate, Liam Lawson, contributed an additional 88 laps, making Red Bull the only team utilizing their new power unit to post impressive mileage. Hadjar commented on the smoothness of the day, noting only minor issues for the first outing with their own engine.
- Driver: Isack Hadjar
- Team: Red Bull Racing
- Lap Time: 1:18.159s
- Laps Completed: 107 by Hadjar, 88 by Lawson
- Location: Barcelona
Performance Observations from George Russell
George Russell also recognized the achievements of Red Bull. During a strong showing for Mercedes, where he and Kimi Antonelli collectively covered 149 laps, Russell admitted he was impressed by the new power unit and the overall performance from Red Bull. Despite being slightly outpaced, Mercedes maintained a robust presence on the track.
“It was impressive to see the Red Bull-powered teams perform smoothly on their first day,” Russell noted. He emphasized the advancements in Formula 1 since 2014, when new engines caused significant issues for many teams.
Comments from the Drivers
Antonelli shared his thoughts on the Mercedes W17, highlighting its drivability. He mentioned the learning curve involved in adapting to the new power unit while expressing optimism about its performance. The steady progress made during testing was encouraging for both teams.
Historical Context and Looking Ahead
Russell’s comments suggest a different atmosphere in the paddock compared to previous years. The evolution of the sport has led to more reliable machinery and reduced breakdowns, setting a competitive stage for the 2026 season.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming season, the performance of Red Bull and Mercedes indicates a thrilling championship battle on the horizon. Fans can anticipate an exciting year filled with competitive racing.
