Lewis Hamilton Leads Ferrari with Fastest Time
In an exciting conclusion to the 2026 Formula 1 shakedown in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton recorded the fastest lap. This moment came as he clocked an unofficial time of 1m16.348s on the final day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Performance Highlights of the Shakedown
Hamilton’s impressive performance ultimately relegated former teammate George Russell of Mercedes to second place on the leaderboard. The achievement was a result of a strategic late switch to soft tires, which followed a strong morning session for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Morning Session Standouts
- Charles Leclerc topped the morning with a time of 1m16.653s.
- Oscar Piastri from McLaren finished second, clocking 1m17.446s after completing 80 laps, a remarkable recovery from a previous fuel issue.
- Lando Norris, Hamilton’s competitor, set a strong afternoon time of 1m16.594s before Hamilton’s glory run.
Piastri voiced his satisfaction post-session, stating, “It was good. Nice to get some good laps on the board.” His consistency improved significantly compared to earlier days.
Team Performances and Strategy
The primary goal of the shakedown was not just to secure the fastest lap but to accumulate mileage for engine preparation ahead of the official pre-season tests. Mercedes achieved this goal effectively, completing over 500 laps during the three-day event.
Notably, Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes executed a full race simulation, showcasing the team’s robust preparation strategy. Meanwhile, Russell’s time of 1m16.4s was previously thought to be unbeatable.
Engine Performance Overview
Mercedes’ power unit was a standout performer, registering the highest mileage among engine suppliers. Collectively, engines from Mercedes, McLaren, and Alpine accomplished nearly 1,000 laps, highlighting the unit’s dominance. The Ferrari engine followed closely in second place, with Red Bull Ford Powertrain rounding out the top three.
Other Teams in Action
- Max Verstappen returned for Red Bull, achieving 69 laps with a best time of 1m18.285s.
- Teams including Haas, Audi, Cadillac, and Aston Martin participated, with Aston Martin debuting innovative designs under Adrian Newey.
- Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin managed a smooth day with at least 49 laps completed.
As the week progressed without incident, the focus now shifts to the next on-track test set for February 11-13 in Bahrain. This will be a critical opportunity for teams to refine their strategies ahead of the 2026 season.
