The first on-track day of the 2026 Formula 1 season immediately delivered positive sensations for the young Italian driver, who ended the morning session among the drivers with the highest lap count. From a drivability perspective, the Mercedes driver already reported encouraging feedback and praised the team for the excellent work carried out on the power unit.
For drivers, even those with several years of experience behind them, the start of the 2026 collective tests in Barcelona feels very much like the first day of school. With cars that have been deeply revised compared to the previous technical cycle, even those returning to the cockpit still have a great deal to learn about how to exploit them at their best.
The way aerodynamic load is generated has changed, with cars now producing less downforce in high-speed sections. Power unit management has also evolved, as have the sensations felt behind the wheel. One of the main questions heading into this new era was how drivers would adapt to these changes, but for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who was among the first to take to the track this morning, the initial impressions were clearly positive.
Mercedes did not encounter any significant reliability issues on the opening day, allowing the team to run with good continuity. By the end of the morning session, the Italian driver was among those with the highest number of completed laps, totaling 56. In the afternoon, Antonelli handed the car over to teammate George Russell, who was able to add further mileage, bringing Mercedes’ total to an impressive 151 laps, equivalent to roughly 700 kilometers.
“Yes, it was a very interesting morning. It’s really nice to be back in the car, obviously, and it’s a huge learning process. We tried to set up the power unit and the car and, clearly, in the afternoon the car improved a lot: it’s continuous learning. The most important thing is being able to run, complete as many laps as possible to properly set up the power unit and the car,” said the young driver from Bologna.
“It will still take some time to try all the different modes, like overtake, boost and all those things, but it’s different. Still, the car is nice, very pleasant to drive, and obviously on the power unit side it’s a bit different compared to last year: it requires a bit more management, but everything is manageable.”
One of the main question marks concerned drivability, both in terms of balance and power unit response. On this front, manufacturers spent extensive time working in the simulator, using dedicated models designed to replicate the expected on-track conditions. In the end, however, it is always the track itself that provides the most meaningful answers.
“I have to say that the team did a really great job on the power unit side, and the drivability, which was a big question mark, looks good for now. Obviously it’s still early: by continuing to rack up mileage, we’ll learn much more about the car and the power unit, and we’ll be able to understand where something is missing or where we’re strong. But so far, the overall package gives good sensations.”
Antonelli is preparing to face his second season in Formula 1 after a debut campaign marked by ups and downs, but one that ended on an upward trajectory, thanks also to two podium finishes in the final races, which helped restore his confidence. Having that experience behind him, and having already had the chance to test the new car, now allows him to approach the upcoming tests differently than in the past, with greater preparation and confidence.
“Yes, definitely much more prepared: I know much better what to expect. So I can’t wait to get back on track in the next few days, then obviously in Bahrain and then in Melbourne. The start of the season is coming very quickly and I really can’t wait to start the first race.”
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