Source link : https://motorsports-news.org/2026/01/29/formula-1/mercedes-impresses-in-barcelona-f1-shakedown-with-first-race-sim/
Mercedes has delivered a robust begin to the 2026 Formulation 1 pre-season as Andrea Kimi Antonelli accomplished a full race simulation on day two.
The Mercedes W17 ran reliably on each Monday and Wednesday, with George Russell having accomplished 92 laps by lunchtime yesterday earlier than handing over the automotive to Antonelli. The teenager then reeled off 91 laps after the break, together with what he stated was a whole race simulation on solely his second half-day within the automotive.
Mercedes’ two prospects groups McLaren and Alpine have additionally been racking up the miles with the brand new Mercedes HPP energy unit, with simply Williams absent from the Barcelona shakedown.
Antonelli and Russell additionally led the timesheets with laptimes within the 1m17 vary, however these instances are unofficial and stay fully irrelevant this week. What actually issues is that the primary warning indicators for the competitors are there that Mercedes appears to have its home so as.
“I did plenty of laps and was capable of do a race sim, which was good and crucial factor is that we did plenty of laps, plenty of mileage and plenty of information for the workforce. It was an excellent day general,” the Italian remarked.
“This automotive is totally new and it is fairly an enormous step in comparison with final yr’s automotive. So everytime you go within the automotive, you may have a bit extra confidence after which all through the stint you be taught extra in…
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Author : Motorsports
Publish date : 2026-01-29 10:48:00
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