2026 F1 Pre-Season Testing: Barcelona Day 4 Results
The fourth day of the 2026 F1 pre-season testing in Barcelona showcased the dominance of Mercedes on track. George Russell made headlines by posting the fastest lap time of the week, solidifying his team’s strong start to the testing period.
Day 4 Highlights
In the morning session, Kimi Antonelli set a benchmark lap time of 1:17.081s, completing 90 laps. This time was impressive, but it was Russell’s afternoon performance that stole the show.
George Russell Takes the Lead
George Russell became the first driver to break into the 1:16s, clocking a remarkable 1:16.445s. In addition, he completed 77 laps, contributing to Mercedes’ total of 499 laps over the three-day testing period.
Other Performances
- Oscar Piastri placed fourth in his McLaren, with a time nearly 1.8 seconds slower than Russell. However, his running was limited to the morning due to a fuel system issue.
- Ferrari had a productive day after dealing with rain earlier in the week. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton cumulatively managed to complete 174 laps while both recorded times in the 1:18s.
- Aston Martin finally hit the track, with Lance Stroll concluding an exploratory four laps.
Conclusion
The final day of pre-season testing promises to provide further insights as teams prepare for the upcoming Formula 1 season. Mercedes, with its exceptional lap counts and fast times, clearly stands out as a formidable contender.
