These teams will hit the track first in Barcelona: secrecy dominates F1 testing

Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls and Alpine will be the first teams to test their Formula 1 cars for the 2026 season next week in Barcelona. They will already hit the track on Monday, while some competitors will be in action later during the five-day test—of which each team can use three.

McLaren, for example, will not start on Monday. In fact, it is unlikely the British team will run on Tuesday either, judging by the weather forecast for that day. Team principal Andrea Stella has already indicated that his team wants to test on three consecutive days.

So when will the other teams be active in Barcelona? A round of inquiries by GPblog suggests that teams are especially keen not to give their competitors any clues. Even the moment a team begins testing appears to be a closely guarded secret. As one team puts it:'The day we put a car on track will be our first day…'

Max Verstappen in 2025 in Barcelona - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

The Formula 1 season has already begun

Why all the secrecy? Undoubtedly, no team wants to improve track conditions for another outfit without being able to benefit themselves. If Team X says, 'We’re starting on Monday,' a rival might think, 'Great, we’ll stay inside for now and wait until conditions are ideal.'

More importantly, however, teams are afraid that technical innovations could be observed and copied. Everyone is extremely curious to see what the competition has come up with in developing their F1 cars under the new regulations.

It is very likely that there will be significant differences between the teams. The earlier you reveal your cards, the faster others can adopt and implement your ideas.

So even before a single meter has been driven, the battle to outsmart one another has already begun. After all, Formula 1 will always be Formula 1!

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