Ferrari is completing a key testing programme in Barcelona, with many laps completed without any issues, according to Charles Leclerc. The Scuderia has been among the most reliable teams seen so far during the Barcelona tests, finishing the most laps behind only Mercedes. While Lewis Hamilton took the wheel in the morning, Charles Leclerc replaced him in the afternoon, providing his assessment of Ferrari’s Day 4 performance.
Ferrari wrapped up an intense day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, running the SF-26 for over 800 kilometres in total. On this fourth day of testing, which was Ferrari’s second personal session, the team carried out a linear programme, free from major issues, and packed with laps useful for gathering data and getting familiar with the new car.
Morning session with Lewis Hamilton
In the morning, Lewis Hamilton led the session, completing a long run on Medium tyres while focusing on engine mappings and managing the new systems, particularly the upgraded hybrid component of the 2026-spec power unit. Only towards the end of his session did Hamilton switch to Hard tyres.
Afternoon programme for Charles Leclerc
In the afternoon, Charles Leclerc took over the SF-26, continuing on the same programme as his teammate. He began with a long sequence on C2 tyres before switching to C1 compounds in the final minutes to complete the day’s testing plan. The Monegasque finished with 89 laps and over 400 kilometres covered, bringing Ferrari’s total to 174 laps for the day.
Leclerc assesses the day
After the session, Charles Leclerc shared his thoughts on the day’s work: “It was important to be able to complete a full day of running in more indicative conditions. With the new regulations, everything is different, so there is still a lot to learn and discover, and even the way you drive the car has changed compared to recent years.” – the Monegasque driver pointed out.
He added, “I am feeling increasingly comfortable in the car, although managing the new systems, especially with the greater contribution from the electric component of the power unit, remains challenging. At the moment, we are not looking for outright performance but focusing on completing the planned programme and understanding the car as thoroughly as possible. There is still a lot of work to do, but we are sticking to the set plans and this is a positive sign.”
The fourth day of testing in Barcelona has shown that Ferrari’s SF-26 is a robust platform, capable of handling the high-mileage demands of the new 2026 power units. With both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton providing consistent feedback and avoiding technical “gremlins,” the team is successfully building the foundation needed for the upcoming season. While the true pecking order remains unknown, Ferrari’s ability to follow their roadmap without interruption is a significant early victory for Maranello.
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