Overview
- Mercedes evaluated a hydraulic ‘Straight Line Mode’ active‑aero prototype on its mule car as Pirelli gathered data on narrower, smaller‑diameter 2026 tyres that retain current color coding.
- Jak Crawford set the day’s best time for Aston Martin, Luke Browning topped the morning for Williams, a Hirakawa crash triggered the only red flag, and Esteban Ocon logged minimal laps after late issues.
- Oscar Piastri was quickest among the modified mule cars, while integration work dominated with Isack Hadjar completing 111 laps in the RB21 and Arvid Lindblad covering 139 for Racing Bulls.
- Lando Norris is confirmed as the 2025 world champion and will run the No. 1 in 2026, with McLaren holding both titles and Max Verstappen finishing two points short in the final standings.
- Helmut Marko signaled uncertainty about his Red Bull future, Alpine opted for Pierre Gasly over Franco Colapinto for the test, and Lewis Hamilton said he will unplug over winter after a difficult Ferrari season.