Max Verstappen believes Red Bull will focus more on analysis than lap times during the opening 2026 Formula 1 test in Barcelona, as teams begin work with completely new cars and power units.

The first official test of the new regulation era will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26 to 30. With brand-new technical rules in place, the Barcelona running is expected to be cautious and largely data-driven.

The test will be held behind closed doors, with each team selecting three days of running. Attention is likely to shift quickly to Bahrain, where further testing in February should offer a clearer picture of true performance.

Verstappen expects Red Bull to spend a significant amount of time in the garage during the opening days.

“None of us really knows what to expect from the new car or the engine,” Verstappen said, as quoted by Blick. “I think that during the first tests in Barcelona starting on 26 January, we'll be spending more time in the garages than out on the track. Hopefully, we'll all be a bit wiser after the two tests in Bahrain in February.”

The 2026 season also marks a major milestone for Red Bull Racing, which will introduce its own power unit for the first time. The project is being developed through Red Bull Powertrains, with technical support from Ford.

With power units expected to play a decisive role under the new regulations, Verstappen admits there are still many unknowns regarding how Red Bull will compare to its rivals.

“Yes, I've been to the factory a few times, but as I said, everyone is still in the dark,” the Red Bull driver concluded.