F1 testing: Ferrari power unit impresses in Bahrain as Esteban Ocon gives strong verdict. Ferrari’s power unit stands out during F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.

While Audi and Honda encountered reliability concerns, Ferrari’s power unit emerged as one of the most convincing packages during Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. Further confirmation came from customer-team driver Esteban Ocon, who openly praised the progress made with the Maranello engine.

Haas completed winter testing with encouraging feelings and the awareness that it had gathered valuable mileage both in Barcelona and Bahrain. The American team, powered by Ferrari, focused extensively on reliability, start procedures and understanding its new car. Esteban Ocon, one of the central figures in the testing programme, highlighted the steps forward taken — particularly thanks to the contribution of Ferrari’s power unit.

Testing progress and collaboration with Ferrari

Across the test weeks, Haas accumulated crucial laps and data. Consistency on track allowed the team to refine car setup, tyre management and operational procedures. Esteban Ocon spoke positively about the work carried out alongside Ferrari’s power unit department:

“This test improved the power unit, the way the boost is delivered. It was good to be able to get off the line properly.”

The French driver emphasised how the collaboration with Ferrari delivered concrete results already during the preparation phase, particularly in terms of engine response and overall drivability. The technical foundation appears solid, with a well-balanced car capable of completing long race simulations without significant issues.

Start procedure issues and the new system

One of the main areas Haas worked on involved race starts — a key topic under the new regulations and revised procedures. Ocon clearly explained the initial difficulties:

“At the beginning we had problems with starts: it was difficult to pull away from the grid and find the right revs before the start. We were stationary for a long time before we managed to get going.”

However, the work completed during testing has already brought tangible improvements:

“Now we are in a much better position, even if there is still something we need to improve.”

Esteban Ocon’s words describe a team on the rise — aware of the areas still to refine, but confident in the direction taken. With Ferrari’s power unit receiving positive feedback and solid mileage accumulated across both test venues, Haas heads to Melbourne with stronger foundations and the ambition to fight consistently in the midfield battle.

For Ferrari, the encouraging feedback from a customer team reinforces the sense that its 2026 power unit project is on the right path — especially at a time when some rival manufacturers have faced early-season setbacks.