F1: Ferrari Hits Track on Day 2 as McLaren Opts Out of Wet Barcelona Shakedown

Day two of the Formula 1 Barcelona shakedown finally brought some action, with Ferrari rolling out its car despite wet conditions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. While rain kept most teams inside the garage, Ferrari and Red Bull were the only ones ready to take the risk. McLaren decided to sit this one out, choosing to delay its first run until Wednesday when conditions are expected to improve. With the track staying damp for long periods, the day was always going to be about gathering data rather than pushing hard.

Also Read: F1: Isack Hadjar Crashes Red Bull RB22 on Day 2 at Barcelona Shakedown

Ferrari sent the SF-26 out early as the pit lane opened, ticking off its first official running in Barcelona. Charles Leclerc handled the morning duties, easing through installation checks on a slippery surface. Lewis Hamilton then climbed in during the afternoon as the team continued working through its planned programme using wet and intermediate tyres. By the end of the day, Ferrari logged 121 laps, adding up to around 550 km on track.

Red Bull also committed to a full day, starting with Max Verstappen in the morning. The four-time world champion briefly brought out a red flag after running wide into the gravel on his out lap, though the RB22 returned without any damage. The team later handed the car over to Isack Hadjar as conditions remained far from ideal.

The weather continued to control everything. Light rain kept returning, grip levels stayed low, and long runs were never really an option. That uncertainty played a big role in why teams like McLaren preferred to wait rather than risk mileage in changing conditions.

The day ended on a rough note for Red Bull when Hadjar lost control in the wet and slid into the barriers at a fast section of the circuit. The impact caused rear-end damage and brought the session to a halt for the team. Ferrari, meanwhile, completed its planned running, while the rest of the paddock now looks ahead to better weather and a much busier few days in Barcelona.