Formula 1’s shakedown week kicked off at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on a chilly day. Mercedes’ W17 rolled out first, driven by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, quickly followed by Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto and Alpine’s Franco Colapinto.
Both Bortoleto and Colapinto faced technical problems that slowed their runs. However, since this shakedown is closed to the public, details about these issues remain unclear. Other teams also took to the track: Liam Lawson for Racing Bulls, Isack Hadjar for Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas for Cadillac, and Esteban Ocon for Haas. By midday, Ocon had completed the most laps, totaling 67, despite a brief red flag caused by Lawson’s stop on the track.
Some eager YouTubers gained access to the timing data and started sharing unofficial lap times. While a few were accurate, they didn’t represent consistent performance due to teams following different strategies and focusing mainly on system checks. Overall, it was too early for anyone to push their limits.
As the day progressed, access to details became more restricted, making it hard to track the events. According to leaked data, Hadjar clocked the fastest lap of the day at 1m18.159s. George Russell, who took over driving duties in the afternoon, finished 0.537s behind him. Only 11 laps were logged by Sergio Perez in the Cadillac, highlighting the struggles of some new teams.
Despite the chaos, F1 TV was present to capture interviews with drivers and team staff. Teams were allowed to post limited updates on social media. However, as negative reactions grew online, especially regarding restricted access, teams became cautious about their communications, sharing only a short video of the Audi leaving the pitlane.
Looking ahead, teams are adjusting their plans based on the weather. McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Williams weren’t present. McLaren and Ferrari confirmed they wouldn’t run until Tuesday, and Williams opted out of the Barcelona event altogether. Aston Martin acknowledged delays and might miss at least one session until Thursday.
Completing laps was more important than lap times, and Haas appeared to be the most successful team in that aspect. Ocon completed 154 laps, followed by Mercedes with a total of 149 laps. Audi’s struggles showed clearly, with just 44 laps completed by Cadillac and 27 laps by Audi.
This year’s shakedown highlights a shift in F1’s approach. In the past, testing events were more open, allowing fans and the media to engage with teams and drivers. Today, teams are more focused on privacy and strategy, a reflection of increased competition within the sport.
As teams prepare for the rest of the week, the conversation online continues, with fans eager to see how these adjustments play out in actual racing conditions. For further insights, you can keep an eye on [Autosport’s official coverage](https://www.autosport.com).
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