FP1 Barcelona data shows early performance trends as Mercedes leads the way, Ferrari looks competitive in slow corners, and Red Bull adopts a completely different energy usage approach
First free practice in Barcelona offers early clues but no clear hierarchy yet
The opening free practice session for the Barcelona Grand Prix provided the first real glimpse of the competitive order, although the overall picture remains far from definitive. As is often the case at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the track is one of the most representative layouts on the calendar, combining high-speed efficiency, aerodynamic load, stability in long corners, traction demands, energy management, and overall balance between the front and rear axles.
Because of this complexity, FP1 already delivered several interesting indicators. However, the interpretation of performance varied significantly between teams, suggesting that substantial improvements are still expected ahead of FP2 as teams refine setups and data analysis continues.
Mercedes starts strong, George Russell potentially holding back performance data
Mercedes began the weekend in strong form, as many had anticipated, reinforcing its position as one of the main favourites under the hot Barcelona conditions. The Brackley-based team’s car appeared highly complete, showing strong aerodynamic load, excellent stability through high-speed sections, a well-balanced front-to-rear platform, a competitive power unit, and particularly strong traction on corner exits.
George Russell delivered a performance that suggested significant margin still in reserve, even while already displaying clear strengths across multiple sections of the circuit. In particular, Turn 4, the Turn 7–8 complex, and Turn 10 appeared to be areas where George Russell could have pushed further but instead chose not to fully exploit the car’s potential.
There is a growing perception that George Russell may have deliberately kept performance in reserve, possibly to avoid revealing full reference data to his younger teammate Kimi Antonelli on a circuit where both drivers could be operating at a similar performance ceiling. Such an approach would not be unusual in a tightly matched intra-team environment, especially during early practice sessions where competitive intelligence plays a key role.
McLaren establishes itself as early second force in Barcelona
Behind Mercedes, McLaren immediately positioned itself as a strong contender for the role of second fastest team. Oscar Piastri completed a solid and structured opening session, while the encouraging performance of Italian youngster Gabriele Fornaroli also stood out as one of the more interesting elements of FP1.
Oscar Piastri was particularly impressive in the first sector, where he maximised energy deployment up to the braking zone of Turn 4, highlighting both the efficiency of the McLaren package and a strong baseline in hybrid energy management.
However, the papaya-coloured car still appears to lose ground in slower and more technical sections, especially through Turns 7–8 and the Turn 10–11 sequence. In these areas, George Russell’s Mercedes is able to generate a clear advantage in entry speed, mid-corner performance, and traction on exit.
At this stage, McLaren appears to be the second fastest team overall, although it must be stressed that FP1 represents only an initial benchmark, and the potential for performance evolution remains very high as track conditions and setup directions evolve.
Ferrari strong in low-speed corners but still losing time in key acceleration zones
Ferrari delivered an encouraging performance in cornering phases, particularly in low-speed sections where the car showed some of the highest minimum speeds across the entire field. The red car looked especially competitive in the slowest parts of the circuit, including Turns 5 and 10, where it even gained time compared to Mercedes.
This positive trend also reflects the introduction of recent upgrades brought to the track, with the front-end of the Ferrari appearing noticeably improved. This is a crucial area for the SF-26 project, and initial indications suggest that the development direction is working as intended.
There were no notable issues reported regarding Charles Leclerc’s braking performance during FP1, although it is still too early to draw meaningful conclusions given the limited running and high track temperatures.
However, the Ferrari appears to lose performance in specific sectors of the lap. Charles Leclerc loses time on the main straight and particularly between Turn 3 and Turn 5, where he drops approximately two and a half tenths compared to Mercedes. This suggests a combination of slightly lower power output and reduced lateral grip in that phase of the circuit.
Additional data also shows Charles Leclerc losing up to 21 km/h through Turn 13 in the final sector, likely indicating energy deployment limitations. Although strong cornering through Turn 14 helps recover part of the deficit before the finish line, the figures remain significant and will be closely analysed in FP2.
Red Bull operates with completely different energy usage patterns
Red Bull once again stood out for its unconventional approach, displaying energy deployment and braking behaviour that differs significantly from its direct rivals. Max Verstappen was the latest of all drivers to brake into Turn 1, while also showing extreme variations in speed management across the lap.
At Turn 4, Max Verstappen was around 15 km/h faster than the closest competitor in certain phases, while at Turn 5 he gained approximately 13 km/h, and at Turn 13 another 12 km/h advantage in specific telemetry comparisons.
The key issue, however, emerges once the car is fully loaded in the corner. The Red Bull appears nervous and unstable, with limited vertical load consistency and a difficult balance during mid-corner phases. In contrast to Mercedes, the Red Bull seems to prioritise aggressive braking and entry speed, but sacrifices overall stability and rotation quality through longer corners.
As a result, the RB22 presents a highly contrasting performance profile compared to Mercedes: extremely strong in braking and corner entry, but less refined and less predictable during sustained cornering phases.
FP2 set to be crucial for understanding the true competitive order
FP2 is expected to provide far more representative data, particularly with regard to qualifying simulations and long-run performance under similar temperature conditions. Mercedes currently appears to hold the advantage, McLaren looks capable of challenging closely behind, Ferrari shows a solid foundational package with specific strengths in low-speed corners, while Red Bull remains the most complex and unpredictable car to interpret after FP1.
The upcoming sessions will be decisive in clarifying whether these early trends hold true or whether teams unlock additional performance as the Barcelona weekend progresses.
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