Mercedes, Hamilton shine at F1 pre-season test in Barcelona

Formula 1’s first pre-season test wrapped up in Barcelona, Spain, last week as teams prepare for the new season ahead.

With new regulations and entirely new engines in play, all eyes were on what teams could provide on their first outing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Pre-season testing focuses more on mileage and how each team’s car fares under the new regulations, rather than performance and speed.

The new cars, featuring a 50% electric power unit, will require drivers to master energy management, says Verwoerd.

“It’s a brand-new era in Formula 1. The cars are smaller, lighter, with different engines and different aerodynamics.”

Mercedes produced a dominant and reliable showing, completing 502 laps across three days with George Russell and Kimi Antontelli.

“The consensus in Formula 1 is that the one big performer differentiator this year is going to be the engine, and Mercedes has got a very strong reputation in terms of developing the engines that really led to them dominating,” Verwoerd said.

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton also finished the testing week on a high, setting the fastest pace of the week with 1 minute 16.34 seconds.

This test was crucial for the Brit after a challenging debut with the Italian team last year.

Teammate Charles Leclerc reflected optimism about the new regulations, which have been a cause of concern for other drivers.

Defending Constructors Champions McLaren completed 291 laps.

To listen to Verwoerd in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maytham, use the audio player below: