F1 preseason testing has sometimes been at the center of controversy. Here are the three most famous incidents and what could unfold during the 2026 preseason tests.
The 2026 F1 preseason testing is almost here. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya at Montmeló is set to host the new cars from January 26 to 30, marking their first time on track. Teams are eager to see the performance of the new power units and fully overhauled aerodynamic packages.
As is well known, these tests will be held privately, with television crews and journalists excluded from the circuit. This already raises eyebrows among insiders, as the closed-door policy could be linked to the reliability of the new engines, which might fail unexpectedly on track. However, this wouldn’t be the first time F1 preseason testing has featured controversial episodes.
The “Alonso mystery”
Over previous preseason tests, several controversial moments have occurred. One that stands out is Fernando Alonso in 2015, also at Montmeló, who was involved in a very unusual crash. Exiting turn three, his car collided abnormally with the right-hand wall. There was no contact with another car and no apparent loss of control.
The impact itself wasn’t particularly strong for the category, which is why the incident became known as the “Alonso mystery.” Some claim the Asturian driver suffered a sudden illness during the crash, but the most controversial theory involves electrocution. According to some sources, Fernando was reportedly shocked by an electrical issue in his McLaren. Alonso was hospitalized and forced to miss the rest of the tests as well as the first events of the 2015 season.
Mercedes under scrutiny and with a different color
Mercedes was involved in two notable controversies during testing, both in 2020. The first concerned the famous “DAS” system, which shocked the F1 world and created significant confusion within the FIA. The steering wheel could move forward and backward depending on how it was used—something absolutely illegal and unprecedented in F1. The FIA ultimately deemed DAS legal for 2020 but banned it for the following season.
The second incident involved Mercedes and the former Racing Point team. Racing Point arrived at the tests with a car remarkably similar to Mercedes’ 2019 design, immediately raising alarms. Nicknamed the “Pink Mercedes,” the RP20 drew accusations from rival teams throughout the year and even led to penalties. While the team consistently denied any wrongdoing, the similarities were undeniable.
Will 2026 preseason tests be controversial again?
Could the 2026 F1 preseason tests see similar controversies? All signs point to yes, especially given the closed-door nature of the tests. Teams and fans alike will be watching closely, but for now, we can only wait to see what unfolds on track.
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