Verstappen skips Red Bull's F1 test to stay with Kelly and Lily

19:21, 03 Jun 2025

byNorberto Mujica

The chassis, PU and fuel aren't the only changes F1 will experience in the 2026 regulations overhaul, as the tyres will also be revamped. Mercedes, Red Bull and Racing Bulls are helping Pirelli develop next year's compounds, but reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen is nowhere to be found.

Barcelona is still seeing some F1 action after the heart-in-mouth Grand Prix from last Sunday. However, this time, only three teams are present at the track. Their purpose? Help Pirelli develop the compound tyres for next year. Today George Russell and Isack Hadjar spearheaded the test, with the fastest time going for the Mercedes driver with a 1:16.920. The Briton and the French Algerian covered 282 laps combined using their respective teams' 2024 cars.

Russell tests the 2026 Pirelli tires on the Mercedes AMG W15 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Source: Pirelli.

Red Bull in action at Barcelona test, but Verstappen absent

Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be taking over from Russell, and for Red Bull Yuki Tsunoda will drive the RB20, leaving Max Verstappen to continue to enjoy his free time leading up to the Canadian Grand Prix.