Day 2 of F1 Testing in Barcelona is now complete, with teams continuing their behind closed doors running at the Circuit de Catalunya.
As on Day 1, security remained extremely high, limiting the flow of information from the paddock. However, a small number of short videos circulating on social media once again offered brief glimpses of the new 2026 cars on track. They gave fans an early look at how the next generation of machinery behaves.
Red Bull and Ferrari share early spotlight
Red Bull Racing topped the timing sheets for the second consecutive day, this time with Max Verstappen behind the wheel. The reigning world champion set the fastest lap of the day with a 1.19.578, completing 27 laps in total. Despite the low lap count, the RB26 appeared stable and well-balanced in the limited footage available, indicating that Red Bull likely focused on system checks rather than extended runs.
Ferrari made their first appearance of F1 Testing in Barcelona, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton taking to the track on day 2. Leclerc finished the day second fastest with a best time of 1.20.844. He completed 66 laps, the highest total of the session. The Monégasque ran several longer stints as Ferrari focused on data gathering and building a baseline understanding of their new car.
Hamilton ended Day 2 of F1 testing in Barcelona fourth overall. He completed 57 laps, setting a best time of 1:32.872. His programme mirrored that of his teammate, with Ferrari clearly unconcerned about headline lap times at this early stage
Isack Hadjar returned to action for Red Bull Racing after topping Day 1. He completed 43 laps on Wednesday and finished third on the timing sheets with a fastest lap of 1.31.891. The gap to Verstappen was not representative, with a different Testing programme run throughout the day. Though it seemed, Hadjar went into the wall at the end of day two, taking his chance to set another fastest lap.
As expected, lap times remain largely irrelevant at this stage. Fuel loads, engine modes and run plans vary significantly between teams, making direct comparisons difficult.
Several teams were again absent from the running. McLaren and Aston Martin are expected to join Testing later in the week. Williams will not attend the Barcelona test as the team continues to address serious car issues ahead of the new regulation era.
2026 Barcelona F1 Testing | Day 2 results (unofficial)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 1:19.578, 27 laps
- Charles Leclerc (Scuderia Ferrari) 1:20.844, 66 laps
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing) 1:31.891, 43 laps
- Lewis Hamilton (Scuderia Ferrari) 1:32.872, 57 laps
