Three Formula 1 teams to miss final day of Barcelona test: Here’s why

The final day of the first winter test of the 2026 Formula 1 season is now underway at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

A total of eight teams are in action today: Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Audi, Cadillac, Aston Martin, Haas, and Alpine.

Williams is not participating at the Barcelona shakedown test at all, the team announced last week. Team principal James Vowles since confirmed that they will be ready for the first Bahrain test in February, and will also complete a filming day beforehand.

The reason Mercedes and Racing Bulls are not running today is simple. Teams can run a maximum of three days out of the five at the Barcelona circuit, and both outfits have already reached that limit.

Both teams were out on track already on Monday, and after skipping Tuesday, they did further two sessions on Wednesday and Thursday as well.

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