Favorites
Customize ESPN
What we know (and don't) about F1 in 2026 after Barcelona shakedown test
After five days of shakedown testing at Barcelona, ESPN's F1 analysts reveal what they learned about the state of the field ahead of 2026 rule changes.
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team
F1 TESTING BEGINS
Aston Martin make first appearance at Barcelona test
Aston Martin made its first appearance at this week's preseason test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya after completing a handful of laps in the final hour of the penultimate day.
Aston Martin F1
What have we learned at F1 testing so far? Analysis, news in Barcelona
Formula 1 and its 11 teams have been keeping the first test in Barcelona as private as possible, but that doesn't mean ESPN's analysis has dried up at the start of a new era in the sport.
F1
Will Aston Martin be disadvantaged by missing a day of the Barcelona shakedown?
2:37
Edmondson: Ferrari can't have many excuses in 2026
2:06
Why are Mercedes the early favourites for 2026?
2:51
What were the main takeaways from day one of the Barcelona shakedown?
1:22
Top Headlines
2026 F1 livery Power Rankings: Does Red Bull's new look take P1?
F1 BARCELONA TEST
Why is F1 testing in January and why is nobody there? First Barcelona test explained
A Formula 1 test in January, in the middle of winter, behind closed doors and with no media or fans in sight? ESPN fills you in on all you need to know ahead of Barcelona testing.
Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty Images
F1 testing: Who posted fastest times, most laps in Barcelona?
Formula 1 2026 is underway -- under a cloud of secrecy with the initial preseason test in Barcelona taking place behind closed doors. Here are the fastest laps so far.
F1
2026 LIVERY REVEALS
F1 2026 car launches: All pictures of new cars and dates for next reveals
One of Formula 1's biggest ever rules refreshes is upon us, making 'launch season' more intriguing than ever as we get a chance to see the all-new cars before they hit the track.
Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty Images
EVERY F1 CONTRACT & RACE EXPLAINED
Explained: F1's driver contracts, and potential moves in 2026
Driver contracts are a never-ending talking point across any given Formula 1 year -- this is how the grid stacks up for the forseeable future.
Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images
Explained: F1's 24-race future from 2026 onwards
As Formula 1 enters a new period of regulations in 2026 with ever-growing popularity and new race locations floated, this is how the calendar stacks up over the next few years.
Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
Formula 1 in 2026: Race calendar, preseason testing dates, full schedule as new rules begin
Lewis Hamilton: Will this be his last F1 season? What are his, Ferrari's hopes for 2026?
Top Headlines
- Hamilton sees 'winning mentality' in Ferrari
- Hamilton finishes F1 testing on top for Ferrari
- F1's Gasly invests in Steiner-led MotoGP team
- F1 test: Hamilton praises Ferrari for 'amazing' start
- Aston Martin make first appearance at Barcelona test
- Times Square to the Super Bowl? Cadillac's F1 plan
- Norris: Seeing No.1 on McLaren is 'surreal'
- F1
Formula 1's new terminology explained
Their history, stats and why they're special
- Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
F1's calendar of the future
Which countries could host races from 2026 onwards?
- ESPN Illustration
The evolution of F1 design
The 2025 season, F1's 75th anniversary, presents an opportunity to look back on the sport's evolution
- Clive Rose/Getty Images
All the key F1 facts
Check out the key information of F1 drivers, teams and more
- Clive Rose/Getty Images
F1 car launches: Looking ahead to 2026
2026 dates, schedule ahead of preseason testing, new regulations and more!
