The penultimate day saw plenty of action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Mercedes showing outstanding pace, while McLaren saw their afternoon session derailed after an issue with their machine.

Russell and Mercedes set stunning benchmark at F1 2026 winter testing

After Kimi Antonelli unofficially topped the timing sheets after Thursday's morning session in Spain, teammate George Russell went one better.

The Brit was the first out of anyone to break through the one-minute-17-second barrier with a stunning time of 1.16.928, with no one else able to keep up with an impressive German team.

Russell and Antonelli completed 78 laps and 90 laps, respectively, while Charles Leclerc rounded out the top three with a 1.18.223 and 83 laps to his name. Oscar Piastri and Arvid Lindblad rounded out the top five, while Lewis Hamilton took P6.

George Russell in action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya - Photo: Race Pictures

McLaren have some reliability trouble

However, for Oscar Piastri and McLaren, the only running they could do took place in the morning session, as an issue derailed their afternoon testing session.

A fuel system issue was the culprit for the British team, meaning their day was done and saw them miss out on valuable miles and data collection.

"We discovered a fuel system problem, and the car's very complex, so we've decided to bring it back into the garage, strip it down fully and understand where the problem is coming from," explained Mark Temple, McLaren's Technical Director, Performance.

Photo: McLaren Mastercard F1 Team

'Quartararo leaves Yamaha to sign two-year deal with rival manufacturer'

In the world of MotoGP, the 2026 silly season is already beginning, with 2021 MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo reportedly joining Honda from the 2027 season, according to Autosport.

It is believed that the Frenchman has signed a new two-year deal with the Japanese manufacturer, moving on from Yamaha after several difficult seasons.

However, a replacement for Quartararo has been made, with 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin rumoured to be joining Yamaha on a two-season deal.

Read also

Hamilton reflects on ‘better-than-expected’ winter testing for Ferrari

Red Bull Ford engine continues to impress during 2026 F1 winter test

Red Bull shares emotional video as 'dream comes true' at Barcelona

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.