Media, fans, banned from first 2026 F1 test

Jul.4 (GMM) Spectators and the media will likely be locked out of the primary check that includes the all-new vehicles and engines for 2026.

Not like lately, there will likely be way more on-track testing forward of the shift to radical new chassis and energy unit rules – one check in Barcelona on the finish of January, and two extra in Bahrain in February.

The Barcelona check has been persistently referred to – by System 1, the FIA and the Circuit de Catalunya – as a five-day “non-public” session.

What meaning is now clear – no journalists, no TV, no photographers, and no followers.

Why? Auto Motor und Sport explains: “As a result of the utterly new vehicles are more likely to expertise many teething points from the beginning.

“Solely the laptimes will likely be revealed.”

The German journal continued: “Apparently, there are nice fears that there may very well be a significant outcry if the brand new vehicles don’t dwell as much as expectations.”

Certainly, some worry that drivers might want to raise the throttle half-way down straights to cost the batteries. Charles Leclerc revealed in Austria every week in the past that he has tried the 2026 Ferrari within the simulator and was massively disenchanted.

“I noticed the headlines saying that Ferrari is struggling or no matter,” he mentioned at Silverstone, “however what I meant is that the brand new route for us as drivers is a bit bit much less engaging and a bit bit much less good to drive general.

“I’m certain that if we’re aggressive, I’ll begin to prefer it much more. If not, then I’ll in all probability hate it rather a lot.”

Lance Stroll is one other uncommon voice admitting it’s “a disgrace” System 1 is racing at full velocity down the “electrification” highway. “We’ve needed to scale back downforce simply to maintain the battery going,” the Aston Martin driver mentioned.

“I don’t just like the essence of the brand new rules,” the Canadian added. “Many drivers agree with me, however they’re not able to say it for political causes.”

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