F1 2026 testing: Ferrari pushes for performance with new power unit and upgrades in Bahrain. Ferrari is set to change its power unit and introduce a new aerodynamic package during the final Bahrain test.

Scuderia Ferrari is going all-in for the final days of testing in Bahrain, introducing several important updates on the SF-26. From a fresh power unit to aerodynamic developments, the team from Maranello is making it clear that the focus has now shifted firmly towards extracting performance ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

After impressing the paddock with almost flawless reliability so far, Ferrari is now expected to deliver significant answers in terms of outright pace. The SF-26 has been one of the few cars on the grid not to suffer any engine-related issues during the opening phase of pre-season testing. This is far from a trivial achievement, especially considering the substantial differences between the current power units and those used in previous years under the old regulations.

The Prancing Horse also decided to run the same engine both during the Barcelona shakedown and throughout the first three days of track action at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, covering a distance equivalent to approximately fourteen Grands Prix. These are remarkable figures and provide reassurance to the Tifosi regarding the durability and robustness of the power units designed by Enrico Gualtieri’s department.

Ferrari prepares upgrades for the SF-26

Now, with just twenty-four hours of testing remaining before the official race weekend in Melbourne, the attention will inevitably turn to the search for pure performance. For this reason, engineers in Maranello are preparing a series of updates to be introduced on the SF-26 during the Bahrain sessions that will bring the 2026 pre-season programme to a close.

According to Roberto Chinchero, in addition to several aerodynamic updates, Ferrari is expected to return to the track with a brand-new power unit. This strategic decision will allow the Scuderia’s technicians to carry out a detailed analysis of the “old” engine, carefully assessing its condition and the level of wear accumulated over these initial kilometres.

Alongside the engine change, a new gearbox will also be fitted. Under the new technical regulations, the internal components are subjected to greater mechanical stress than in the past, meaning that the transmission system requires particularly close monitoring and evaluation. All these elements underline Ferrari’s determination to maximise both reliability and performance as the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches.

The transition from the “Spec-A” car to this updated performance package marks the start of the second phase in Ferrari’s 2026 campaign. By validating their reliability with a single engine over thousands of kilometers, the Scuderia has earned the luxury of focusing purely on aerodynamic efficiency and power mapping in these final sessions. While rivals are still battling early-season gremlins, the sight of a fresh engine and refined floor on the SF-26 suggests that Ferrari is no longer just aiming to finish the race—they are aiming to lead it.