Media, Fans, Banned From First 2026 F1 Test

Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin Amr22
action, TS-Live, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, F122T01a, F1, GP, Spain Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin AMR22
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin Amr22
action, TS-Live, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, F122T01a, F1, GP, Spain Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin AMR22

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, as 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 halfway 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.”

From F1 news to tech, history to opinions, F1 Chronicle has a free Substack. To deliver the stories you want straight to your inbox, click here.

New to Formula 1? Check out our Glossary of F1 Terms, and our Beginners Guide to Formula 1 to fast-track your F1 knowledge.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

Carlos Sainz With Fia President Mohammed Ben Sulayem And Robert Reid

Mohammed Ben Sulayem To Face Rival For FIA Presidency

Controversial FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem will face a rival ...
Bahrain GP F1 2025 on February 28 2025 at Sakhir, Bahrain - Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton driver for Ferrari — Photo by PitShots.com

Lewis Hamilton Warns Against Rushing ‘F1’ Sequel After Historic Success

Lewis Hamilton says enjoying the film’s success must come before ...
195

Silverstone Should Keep F1 Race ‘Forever’

Silverstone should have no issues clinging onto its Formula 1 ...
Lewis Hamilton

2025 British Grand Prix: Fast Facts

The midpoint of the season sees Formula 1 return to ...
Italian GP F1 2024 on August 27 2024 at Monza, Italy - Formula 1 Daniel Ricciardo driver for Racing Bulls — Photo by PitShots.com

Daniel Ricciardo Enjoying F1 Retirement

Daniel Ricciardo says he is "enjoying life in the slow ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle