The first official shakedown of the 2026 F1 era took place from January 26 to 30 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Hamilton set a 1:16.348 late on Friday, marginally quicker than the 1:16.445 posted by Mercedes' George Russell on Thursday, ESPN reported, citing sources. The behind-closed-doors five-day test has now concluded, with two more scheduled next month in Bahrain.