The pre-season testing in Barcelona took an exciting turn, with Lewis Hamilton standing out by setting the best time of the day and the week. A feat that, while symbolic at this stage, promises great things for the upcoming season. Under a clear sky, the teams completed laps with notable fluidity, hinting at fierce competition.
A Day Without Interruptions
This Friday, Barcelona was the scene of a morning without a red flag, a true feat during this period of regulatory revolution. The teams, including McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Haas, Alpine, Audi and Cadillac, navigated the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with determination. In fact, the ballet of the single-seaters was so smooth that one could almost believe it was a perfectly choreographed performance.
The previous Thursday had already hinted at this potential, but an unfortunate stoppage by Lance Stroll at the pit entrance nearly broke the rhythm. Today, the AMR26, driven by Fernando Alonso, was finally able to gather crucial data after two lost days of running. The team’s engineers can breathe a little easier, but the pressure remains palpable as the season rapidly approaches.
A Stakhanovite Named Pierre Gasly
If Lewis Hamilton grabbed the headlines with his time, it was Pierre Gasly who stole the show in terms of diligence. With 160 laps completed, the Alpine driver demonstrated remarkable endurance, attacking the asphalt with the determination of a marathon runner. One almost wonders if he plans to live at the circuit given how much he has made the most of it!
However, the best time was indeed for Hamilton, who signed an impressive lap in the final minutes of the session. A somewhat anecdotal time, but it reflects the good form of the Briton and his team. He outpaced Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri, a great performance for all these drivers looking to make their mark.
McLaren and Ferrari in Form
On the performance side, McLaren managed to turn things around after a challenging Thursday. The car showed a more reassuring face, allowing Norris to accumulate laps without issues. Ferrari, for its part, continued on its path with a reliability that seems promising. The tifosi can rest easy: the Scuderia does not appear to be lagging and could play the role of spoiler this season.
Although the times shown should still be taken with a pinch of salt, it is clear that the teams are beginning to fine-tune their setups. Reliability will be a determining factor in this title race, and Ferrari seems to have understood the importance of this crucial step.
The Next Appointment: Bahrain
The next big appointment is on the horizon: the winter testing in Bahrain from 11 to 13 February. This is where all teams hope to refine their performances and prepare as best as possible for the start of the season. With milder temperatures and a circuit known for its challenges, these tests could set the tone for the months ahead.
The teams will need to double their efforts to fine-tune their single-seaters and ensure that every element works to perfection. The competition promises to be tough, and every millisecond will count.
Barcelona Testing 2026 – Day 5
These times are not official and may be modified later.
