Image: from Carlos Miquel X@carlosmiquelf1
By Open Chronicle News Desk
BARCELONA, Spain – The second day of Formula 1 pre-season shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya saw a quiet start this Tuesday, as heavy rain and strategic schedule shifts limited track action to just two drivers: Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
The morning session was characterized by changing weather conditions, allowing for both dry and wet running. Max Verstappen, taking the wheel of the Red Bull RB22 for the first time after rookie Isack Hadjar’s run on Day 1, set the pace while the track was still dry. The three-time world champion clocked a leading time of 1:19.578 before the rain intensified.
Ferrari made its first appearance of the test week today, having opted to sit out Monday’s session. Charles Leclerc was productive despite the weather, completing a significant 64 laps—the highest of the morning. His best dry lap was 1:20.844. As the rain took hold, both drivers transitioned to wet-weather testing, with Leclerc recording a 1:32.088 and Verstappen a 1:38.254 on the soaked asphalt.
🏁 ¡FINAL de la Jornada 2 de Tests de Postemporada en Barcelona!
🔝 Verstappen marca el mejor crono del día (1.19.578), por la mañana, en seco.
🔄 Sólamente Red Bull (VER, HAD) y Ferrari (LEC, HAM) rodaron.
🚩 Hadjar, accidente al final del día, tras una tarde en mojado.#F1 pic.twitter.com/bDvjyodC5m
— Circuit Specific (@Circuit_Spec) January 27, 2026
Verstappen’s morning was briefly interrupted by a red flag after he ran wide into the escape zone at Turn 5. However, the Red Bull driver avoided any contact, returning to the pits without damage to the car.
While Ferrari and Red Bull gathered crucial data on the 2026 regulations and tire performance in mixed conditions, other major teams, including Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac, and McLarenremained in their garages. Many teams are expected to adjust their programs for the afternoon, depending on whether the rain clears.
This Barcelona shakedown serves as a vital precursor to the official full-scale testing scheduled for Bahrain later next month.