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Isack Hadjar tops Barcelona test as Red Bull, Mercedes fly while Audi, Cadillac struggle in 2026 debut
Aston Martin delayed its first runs until later in the Barcelona test, highlighting challenges with Honda engine integration amid major 2026 F1 regulation changes.
- On Jan 26, 2026, Formula 1 began a private five-day shakedown at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and Aston Martin said `The AMR26 will be in Barcelona later this week for its shakedown. Our intention is to run Thursday and Friday`.
- The private test was arranged to let teams validate cars under the 2026 rule changes, as radically different cars face two official Bahrain International Circuit tests before the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026.
- Heavy spending and an exclusive Honda deal set high expectations for Aston Martin, with owner Lawrence Stroll building a new Silverstone factory and Adrian Newey facing early engine integration challenges, sources say.
- The late start reduces Aston Martin's on-track mileage ahead of official tests, potentially altering the early pecking order with seven of F1's 11 teams running Monday and Williams absent.
- Behind closed doors at Barcelona, teams face a three-day running limit, but they can recoup lost mileage in the two Bahrain tests and ESPN provides on-ground reporting.
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57 Articles
57 Articles
The first week of Formula 1 testing of the year began at the Barcelona circuit on Monday, and the Audi and Cadillac teams joining the World Championship series also took to the track on the opening day.
·Estonia
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The Mexican completed only 11 laps, spoke of multiple mechanical problems and assured that the new Formula 1 singles are “radically different.”
derwesten.deReposted by 
news38.de
news38.deThis is extremely bitter for Audi! At the Formula 1 tests in Barcelona there is the first setback for the team.
·Germany
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources57
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Left, 42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left, 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 42%
C 42%
R 16%
Factuality
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