In Barcelona, Formula 1 teams and drivers had their first opportunity to test the new cars for the 2026 season, but this took place behind closed doors during the shakedown. F1 did share interviews and analysis from teams and drivers during the event, but few outspoken opinions were heard outside the Barcelona paddock.
That changed in Bahrain, however, with the first official 2026 F1 test kicking off last week. This time, media outlets, including Motorsport.com, were welcome, and a clearer picture emerged of what the drivers think about the 2026 F1 cars.
