Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has offered a rather bleak prediction for the upcoming Barcelona test at the end of the month, suggesting that Red Bull will spend most of their preparation time in the garage.
Due to the introduction of entirely new technical regulations, encompassing changes to chassis, aerodynamics, and power units, pre-season testing for the 2026 Formula 1 season has been drastically increased compared to previous years. Instead of just three days of preparation, teams will now have nine days, split across three separate test sessions.
The first of these will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona between January 26th and 30th. Although the test officially spans five days, each team will only be permitted to participate in three of them. This test is officially categorized as a closed shakedown session, and according to Verstappen, Red Bull will leverage this fact to meticulously analyze initial data before the start of the first proper test in Bahrain.
“None of us have any idea about the new cars or engines. I think during the first test in Barcelona, which starts on January 26th, we will spend more time in the garage than on the track. I hope we will all be a bit wiser after the two tests in Bahrain in February,” the Dutchman told Blick.
The two three-day tests in Bahrain are scheduled for February 11th-13th and February 18th-20th, respectively. The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to kick off with the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in Melbourne between March 6th and 8th.