Lewis Hamilton Sets Fastest Time for Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton achieved the fastest lap during the final day of the Formula 1 2026 shakedown in Barcelona. The event took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Hamilton registered an impressive unofficial time of 1m16.348s. This performance displaced George Russell, who was previously at the top of the timesheets.
Hamilton’s Glory Run
Hamilton’s record lap came after a strategic late switch to soft tires. This decision followed a strong morning performance by Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who topped the morning session with a best time of 1m16.653s.
Top Performers
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): 1m16.348s
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 1m16.653s
- Lando Norris (McLaren): 1m16.594s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren): 1m16.653s
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): 1m18.285s
Oscar Piastri, who finished in third, expressed satisfaction with his performance after overcoming issues from the previous day. He remarked on the smoother day and his ability to find a good rhythm with the car.
Mercedes Dominates Mileage
While Hamilton claimed the fastest lap, Mercedes excelled in overall mileage during the shakedown. The team completed over 500 laps across their three days of running. Andrea Kimi Antonelli notably performed a full race simulation, demonstrating the strength of the Mercedes power unit.
Engine Manufacturer Performance
The performance of the Mercedes power unit played a significant role in their mileage success. In collaboration with McLaren and Alpine, the Mercedes engine achieved nearly 1000 laps. The Ferrari engine followed in second place for mileage, while Red Bull’s Ford Powertrain claimed the third position.
Other Notable Teams
Several other teams participated in the shakedown. Red Bull returned to the track with Max Verstappen after dealing with a crash early in the week. Haas, Audi, Cadillac, and Aston Martin also made appearances, with Aston Martin impressing fans with its distinctive design under the leadership of Adrian Newey.
Upcoming Tests
The next collective on-track test is scheduled to take place in Bahrain from February 11 to 13. Teams will be eager to build on their shakedown performances as the official season approaches.
