The engines have fired, the covers are off, and the most anticipated revolution in Formula 1 history is officially underway. Monday in Barcelona wasn’t just a test; it was a collision of new realities.

With the 2026 regulations bringing sweeping changes to power units and chassis, and the grid expanding to 11 teams with the arrival of the Cadillac F1 Team, the tension in the paddock was palpable.

From the frantic garage of Aston Martin to the “problem-solving” debut of America’s hopefuls, the Barcelona Shakedown gave us our first raw, unfiltered look at the new world order. And if the drivers’ reactions are anything to go by, we are in for one of the most unpredictable seasons of all time.

Cadillac’s “Mountain to Climb”: The American Dream Hits the Tarmac

All eyes were on the sleek, new machinery of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. The American giant, entering the sport with huge fanfare and a driver lineup boasting immense experience in Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez, faced its moment of truth.

Valtteri Bottas, speaking after his historic first drive for the team, didn’t sugarcoat the challenge. In a candid interview, the Finn described the week as a “milestone” but admitted the team is deep in a “problem-solving phase.”

“It’s a mountain to climb,” Bottas confessed, his tone serious but determined. “It’s the first time we’re properly running the car… we still have lots of problems to solve, but we are getting there step by step.”

The chemistry between Bottas and Perez seems to be the team’s anchor in these stormy early days. When asked about working with his new teammate, Bottas—who was confirmed alongside Perez in a blockbuster move last year—described the dynamic as “super chill.”

“We make a really good team,” Bottas said. “He’s been excited as well being in the car… we both can’t wait for Bahrain.”

For Cadillac, survival and reliability are the current goals. They aren’t chasing lap times yet; they are chasing understanding. But the mere sight of the Cadillac badge on track is a victory in itself.

Aston Martin’s 48-Hour Miracle: The Newey Effect?

If Cadillac was climbing a mountain, Aston Martin was sprinting a marathon just to get to the starting line. Fernando Alonso, looking energized despite the chaos, dropped a bombshell revelation about the team’s preparation.

The new AMR26—the first car heavily influenced by the legendary Adrian Newey since his high-profile move to the team—was completed just 48 hours before arriving in Barcelona.

“It was very special… obviously the first car made by Adrian,” Alonso beamed, acknowledging the sheer frantic effort of the factory. “The last two weeks have been very, very intense. We just made it to Barcelona in the last two days. Tremendous effort from everyone.”

The presence of Newey in the garage has noticeably shifted the atmosphere. Alonso described mechanics and engineers watching the design guru with bated breath. “Everyone is looking at him, trying to spot something… he’s teaching us always something,” Alonso noted.

Despite the rush, the two-time champion managed 60+ laps on his first day, calling it “positive.” But he warned of “issues all around”—electronics, power unit, the usual gremlins of a brand-new era. With Lance Stroll also getting his first taste of the Honda-powered challenger, Aston Martin feels like a coiled spring, waiting to see if Newey’s magic touch has struck again.

Red Bull’s Reality Check: A Sick Max and a “Complicated” Engine

The reigning champions, Red Bull Racing, arrived with the #1 on the car but questions in the air. Max Verstappen, looking visibly under the weather, admitted to being “a bit sick” as he stepped out of the cockpit.

But it wasn’t just his health that sounded cautious. The shift to the 2026 engine regulations is a massive project for Red Bull Powertrains, and Verstappen was honest about the complexity.

“It’s still a very complicated formula for everyone,” Verstappen said, his voice raspy. “There’s still quite a bit of work to do… drivability, feel, all that kind of thing is still a work in progress.”

While he called the start “positive” and “decent,” the usual crushing confidence of the Verstappen-Red Bull machine felt slightly tempered by the sheer magnitude of the technical reset. With Isack Hadjar (rumored to be in the fold) and the team watching closely, Bahrain will be the true test of whether their engine gamble has paid off.

Audi & The Rookies: The Quiet Risers?

Over at the newly transformed Audi (formerly Sauber) garage, Nico Hulkenberg cut a relaxed figure. Partnered with the exciting young Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto (“Gabby”), Hulkenberg reported a staggering 140+ laps, calling it one of their “best days.”

“We knew it was going to be bumpy… but we worked through them,” Hulkenberg said. The stability of the Audi project, contrasted with the chaos elsewhere, could be the dark horse narrative of the early season.

Meanwhile, at Haas, young Ollie Bearman was buzzing with adrenaline. Partnering with Esteban Ocon, Bearman described the 2026 regulations as “the biggest change in the history of F1.” For a driver who has risen through the spec-series ranks of F4, F3, and F2, the chance to develop a car from scratch is a dream come true. “We can get stuck in and make a difference,” he said, highlighting a confidence that betrays his youth.

McLaren’s Quiet Confidence

Amidst the noise, McLaren appeared almost eerily calm. Lando Norris, fresh off a strong 2025 campaign, focused entirely on reliability. “We understood a lot… reliability is one of the most important things,” Norris stated.

With Oscar Piastri also logging solid data, the Woking-based squad seems to be avoiding the drama affecting their rivals. Norris mentioned the vital work of the sim team back home, specifically naming “Jake” (likely simulator ace Jake Hughes or Dennis), emphasizing that the war is being won as much in the virtual world as on the track.

The Verdict: Chaos is Opportunity

As the sun set on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, one thing was clear: No one is safe.

The 2026 regulations have reset the board. Cadillac is fighting to exist, Aston Martin is fighting time, Red Bull is fighting complexity, and the rest are fighting for position in a brave new world.

The “problem-solving phase” has begun. And as Bottas said, there is a mountain to climb. The only question now is: who will reach the summit first in Bahrain?