Ferrari made a clear step forward with the SF-26 during Bahrain Grand Prix FP2 at Sepang, improving the car’s balance after a difficult opening session and showing encouraging pace with a higher fuel load. Charles Leclerc ended the session at the top of the timesheets, while the Maranello team also gathered positive indications from its race simulations despite some remaining instability.
FP1 had largely been a learning exercise for Ferrari. The SF-26 had behaved inconsistently, the setup was still some way from its ideal window and high tyre degradation created obvious difficulties in managing the Pirelli compounds. The technical picture from that opening session can be explored in more detail in our Ferrari Sepang FP1 analysis. For FP2, the priority was therefore clear: improve the car’s balance and make more effective use of the available track time.
Ferrari improves the SF-26 balance in Bahrain GP FP2
There was no time to waste at the beginning of the second practice session. Ferrari had two main reasons to maximise its running: the need to refine the SF-26 setup and the growing threat of rain at Sepang. Both cars began the first run on Medium tyres, with further setup adjustments already applied.
The changes produced a noticeably more oversteer-biased car. The additional rotation helped the drivers reach the apex more effectively, but it also made traction more difficult to manage when accelerating out of corners. Finding the correct compromise was particularly important at a circuit where tyre behaviour had already emerged as a major concern, with the characteristics of the compounds discussed in more detail in our analysis of why the Sepang tyre compounds could suit the Ferrari SF-26.
Charles Leclerc was unable to complete his second attempt properly because of an issue connected to the brake-shaping settings. Lewis Hamilton experienced a similar interruption to his programme when he locked the left-front tyre under braking for Turn 1, creating a flat spot. Both Ferrari drivers then completed two cool-down laps before preparing for another attempt.
Rain arrived shortly afterwards, although initially only with light intensity. The conditions disrupted Ferrari’s programme and the cars were called back into the pit lane. During their in-laps, the feedback given to the race engineers confirmed an important technical point: even allowing for the changing weather, the setup of both SF-26s represented a step forward compared with FP1.
Ferrari finds more grip on Soft tyres but instability remains
The interruption was brief, and the two Ferraris returned to the circuit when the rain temporarily eased. Soft tyres were fitted for the next stint, providing greater grip and allowing the team to continue evaluating the revised setup.
Ferrari also introduced new braking-system configurations designed to give Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton greater stability and confidence during the braking phase. The car continued to show an oversteer tendency on the Soft compound, but both drivers were able to manage the behaviour effectively.
Some instability nevertheless remained in the middle of the faster corners. Further adjustments were therefore required to reduce the small rear-end snaps and optimise the available downforce across the different phases of the lap. Charles Leclerc appeared moderately satisfied with the car’s behaviour, while Lewis Hamilton was less comfortable.
Charles Leclerc completed the run at the top of the timing classification, with Lewis Hamilton around three tenths behind. In an attempt to reduce that deficit, the seven-time world champion elected to continue with the same configuration and prepare another flying lap. The attempt was not completed, however, as he returned to the pit lane earlier than planned.
Ferrari then sent the cars back out on Soft tyres as the programme moved towards the most important race-pace work of the session. Fans can compare the observed short-run and long-run data through the ScuderiaFans F1 Practice & Long-Run Analysis.
SF-26 shows encouraging race pace with more fuel
The third run was dedicated to testing with a heavier fuel load. Ferrari chose to collect a complete set of data on the red-walled Soft tyres rather than splitting the programme between two different compounds.
The target lap time set by the pit wall was around the 1:44 mark. During the opening laps, Ferrari’s times were broadly in line with Mercedes and quicker than those recorded by Max Verstappen, although the Red Bull driver was running on Medium tyres rather than Softs.
McLaren subsequently moved onto similar lap times to the two Ferraris. The SF-26s also showed good progression as the stint developed, with particularly consistent lap times over the longer run. The comparison was encouraging for a car that had appeared considerably less settled earlier in the day.
There were still areas requiring attention. Some instability remained under braking, particularly for Lewis Hamilton, who was continuing to search for the right feeling with the car. The British driver also reported difficulties managing the tyres, whereas Charles Leclerc was able to extract more effectively from the available rubber.
After eleven laps, Charles Leclerc switched to Medium tyres without making any change to the front-wing angle. Lewis Hamilton followed with the same compound, although his car received two additional points of front-end load as Ferrari continued to refine the balance.
Ferrari leaves Bahrain GP FP2 with positive signs
The session was not entirely straightforward, with rain, setup work and persistent stability issues all affecting Ferrari’s programme. Even so, the final picture contained several encouraging elements. The team had made clear progress with the balance of the SF-26 compared with FP1, while Charles Leclerc demonstrated solid race pace with a heavier fuel load that was in line with Ferrari’s direct rivals.
The remaining work will focus on improving stability under braking and through the middle of faster corners while maintaining the stronger rotation and traction balance found during FP2. Further technical developments around the car can be followed through the Ferrari technical analysis section.
With changing weather, high tyre degradation and an evolving track all influencing the competitive picture, Friday’s running remains only one part of the weekend. Full session information and the timetable for the remaining running are available in the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang schedule and circuit guide.
