Barcelona F1 test: Ferrari pleased with PU 067/6 performance, Charles Leclerc to take first runs on SF-26. Ferrari reports positive results with the PU 067/6 during initial tests.

Ferrari has reported encouraging results from the first day of testing in Barcelona with its two customer teams, Haas and Cadillac, indicating that the new PU 067/6 power unit could cover the equivalent of three Grand Prix distances without significant issues. The Scuderia will make its official track debut tomorrow, with Charles Leclerc taking the wheel of the SF-26 in the morning, followed by Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon.

The Ferrari team will start its three-day collective test session—part of the five days allocated for Barcelona—by having Charles Leclerc behind the wheel first. Midway through the session, the Monegasque driver will hand over to seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The Briton had previously had the privilege of completing the very first 5.5 km of the SF-26 shakedown during the 15 km allowed at Fiorano, but tomorrow it will be Charles Leclerc opening Ferrari’s program in Montmeló.

Inside the Ferrari garage, there is cautious optimism thanks to the positive data collected on the power units installed in the customer teams’ cars. Both Haas, with Esteban Ocon, and Cadillac, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, appeared to operate smoothly without encountering any serious technical issues. The Frenchman with the Haas VF-26 completed 154 laps, while the American team covered a slightly shorter distance. Overall, Ferrari closed the first day of testing with roughly the equivalent of three Grand Prix distances driven.

All eleven teams chose to conduct the tests behind closed doors, concerned about potential engine reliability issues—which fortunately did not materialize. According to Motorsport.com, the teams reportedly used non-homologated fuels: contrary to some speculation, they did not revert to conventional fossil-based fuels. Instead, the FIA reportedly authorized the use of a previous fuel specification to avoid supply problems, a precaution typical at the start of a new technical cycle introducing sustainable fuels.

Tomorrow, the Scuderia will face its first direct comparison with rival teams. Performance will not be the primary goal; instead, the focus will be on verifying data under real track conditions. The team will also have to consider the strong possibility of rain during the session.