JULY 4, 2025

Media, fans, banned from first 2026 F1 test

Spectators and the media will be locked out of the first test featuring the all-new cars and engines for 2026.

Unlike in recent years, there will be much more on-track testing ahead of the shift to radical new chassis and power unit regulations - one test in Barcelona at the end of January, and two more in Bahrain in February.

The Barcelona test has been consistently referred to - by Formula 1, the FIA and the Circuit de Catalunya - as a five-day private session.

What that means is now clear - no journalists, no TV, no photographers, and no fans.

Why? Auto Motor und Sport explains: "Because the completely new cars are likely to experience many teething issues from the start.

Only the laptimes will be published.

The German magazine continued: Apparently, there are great fears that there could be a major outcry if the new cars don't live up to expectations.

Indeed, some fear that drivers will need to lift the throttle half-way down straights to charge the batteries. Charles Leclerc revealed in Austria a week ago that he has tried the 2026 Ferrari in the simulator and was massively disappointed.

I saw the headlines saying that Ferrari is struggling or whatever, he said at Silverstone, "but what I meant is that the new direction for us as drivers is a little bit less attractive and a little bit less nice to drive overall.

I'm sure that if we are competitive, I'll start to like it a lot more. If not, then I'll probably hate it a lot.

Lance Stroll is another rare voice admitting it's a shame Formula 1 is racing at full speed down the electrification road. We've had to reduce downforce just to keep the battery going, the Aston Martin driver said.

I don't like the essence of the new regulations, the Canadian added. Many drivers agree with me, but they're not ready to say it for political reasons.

(GMM)