The recent Barcelona Shakedown provided teams and drivers with an initial opportunity to test their 2026 vehicles, ahead of a season marked by a significant shift in technical regulations.
This overhaul introduces a variety of new features, resulting in cars that are shorter, narrower, lighter, and more agile. With revised power unit regulations, the drivers had much to consider as they shared their experiences from their first laps.
So, how do the drivers perceive the 2026 cars? Let’s delve into their impressions.
‘Enjoyable to Drive’ and ‘Enhanced Power’
Reigning World Champion Lando Norris highlighted to a select media group shortly after the Barcelona Shakedown that the new model is “enjoyable to drive.”
“They’re enjoyable because there’s more power and less grip to some extent,” Norris noted. “This means you’re constantly working to control the car, often having to wrestle with it.”
The McLaren driver remarked that the car “definitely feels more powerful and faster,” expressing his belief that these modifications will lead to “increased racing dynamics” and “varied strategies.”
“Expect to see more back-and-forth actions, with additional speed. However, drivers will have to defend more than in previous seasons, which could lead to more excitement, especially for fans,” Norris elaborated.
His teammate, Oscar Piastri, also weighed in, enjoying the chance to finally test the MCL40 in Barcelona. He noted that while there are “challenges, they aren’t as daunting as we initially feared.”
Reflecting on his early impressions, Piastri stated: “Some elements are slightly different – the engine’s sound was unique, which is something to adjust to.”
He continued, “When accelerating out of a corner at full power, there’s significantly more power than last year, coupled with reduced downforce and less tire surface on the track due to their narrower design. It’s a lot of power with diminished grip.”
Piastri remains confident that the latest generation of cars is “still just as remarkable,” adding, “There will be variations, but fundamentally, they remain the fastest vehicles on the planet.”
An ‘Exciting Era’ for Formula 1
At Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton emerged with a favorable impression after piloting the SF-26 in Barcelona.
“In terms of grasping the car’s dynamics and balance, we possess significantly less downforce than in previous years,” the seven-time champion remarked at the conclusion of the shakedown.
“This generation of cars is actually more enjoyable to drive – they exhibit oversteer, are snappy and slide, but are somewhat easier to manage, enhancing the overall experience.”
Charles Leclerc, from the same team, indicated that the challenge of adapting to the new cars brings a sense of excitement.
“We are in an exhilarating phase for Formula 1, with numerous changes requiring us as drivers and teams to adapt and maximize our new setup, particularly with the increased importance of energy management,” the Monegasque driver explained.
George Russell expressed his admiration for the power generated by the new engines. The Mercedes driver commented early during the Barcelona Shakedown, “There was a lot of anticipation surrounding these new power units, and overall, the power they deliver is quite impressive.”
“From what I observed today, with various power units, it’s likely the fastest I’ve ever seen a Formula 1 car navigate here in Barcelona, which was thrilling to witness,” he added.
Russell also noted the cars feel noticeably smaller, highlighting the weight reduction compared to previous models, which he believes is a positive advancement.
‘Fascinating’ Driving Options for Competitors
Kimi Antonelli remarked that the new vehicles provide intriguing variations in setup possibilities.
“Driving them is enjoyable,” the Italian reflected. “The smaller size enhances agility, especially during direction changes and low-speed corners, which feels fantastic. Additionally, the absence of bouncing allows for a higher ride height, giving drivers more flexibility in setup.”
“There’s now greater latitude to adjust the car’s setup, which is exciting and intriguing for a driver, as it allows for exploration of various compromises in performance tuning,” Antonelli added.
Isack Hadjar from Red Bull shared similar sentiments, stating that it is “easier to experiment” with the 2026 cars, noting that there are “many more options in the power unit for drivers to explore.”
Arvid Lindblad, a rookie who has taken Hadjar’s position at Racing Bulls, is already contemplating how to leverage his driving skills.
“I’m enjoying the experience,” Lindblad said about adapting to the 2026 car. “It’s distinctly different to drive, which adds excitement. It’s fun to be part of Formula 1, but you can definitely feel the differences.”
“I’m pondering how I can make an impact and extract the best performance from the various components of the car, as it’s a new experience for all of us. We are all on this learning journey together, and I’m enjoying the beginning of it,” he remarked.
Ollie Bearman, another driver, shared a similar perspective, stating, “It’s enjoyable. This is my first time facing a regulation change where drivers can significantly influence the final outcome, making it a promising opportunity.”
Following their experiences during the Barcelona Shakedown, the drivers have been eager to share their thoughts on what it’s like to drive the new 2026 contenders.
