Audi have become the first team to put their 2026 car on track, completing a shakedown run at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday.
The team ran an all-black livery during the session and kept much of the car hidden in official images. According to reports, everything went smoothly, with no issues reported throughout the test.
F1 regulations allow teams two filming days per year, each limited to 200km. Ferrari and Williams are both expected to use one of these days ahead of official testing.
Most teams will wait until 26 January when pre-season activities begin at the same circuit before getting back out on track.
Alpine Waiting on Mercedes Information Before Test Plans
Alpine had also planned a shakedown ahead of the new season, according to reports from Campeones. Although not a new entrant like Audi, Alpine are integrating a fresh power unit this year.
The team have switched to Mercedes engines after ending their own F1 engine programme. The first run of the A526 was expected to happen in Barcelona in the near future, though that schedule now looks likely to be pushed back.
Alpine haven’t yet received what they consider ‘useful information’ from Mercedes regarding the power unit, which has forced them to hit pause on their testing plans.
This delay isn’t seen as a major issue at this stage, but it could limit Alpine’s ability to spot any problems with the power unit integration before pre-season testing begins. That might have knock-on effects for their mileage and data collection early on.
It also makes for a difficult start to their relationship with Mercedes, though they should be able to iron out the issues.
Toto Wolff sees potential for Alpine to challenge Mercedes
Alpine have already fired up the Mercedes engine at their base, but there’s no substitute for track time.
Flavio Briatore would be quick to forgive any early-season delays if Alpine’s move to Mercedes power brings a step forward. Last year, with much of their attention on 2026, the team finished at the bottom of the standings.
Wolff is aware that equalising engine performance could help close that gap. Alpine will also benefit from additional wind tunnel time after finishing last in 2024.
Christian Horner has been linked to a role with Alpine over the winter, but concerns about his strained history with Wolff may complicate any potential involvement.
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