Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Formula 1 was forced to pause throughout April, resulting in the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix. This enforced break gives teams the opportunity to deeply analyze data collected from the opening races and continue development work at their own facilities, before returning to the track at the start of May for the Miami Grand Prix.
Unlike some other teams, however, Scuderia Ferrari decided not to halt operations during this period. The team has aimed to make the most of every available opportunity in the calendar to continue development on both the car and the overall team structure. At the beginning of April, Ferrari carried out a Testing of Previous Car (TPC) session at the Mugello circuit, using the Ferrari SF-25 from the previous season.
Testing of previous car proves highly valuable
Ferrari’s approach leverages the chance to run a car from a different technical cycle compared to the current SF-26, in order to gather valuable data aimed at reducing the gap to key rivals in this championship, particularly Mercedes.
During these two days of testing, only reserve drivers participated—Antonio Giovinazzi, Arthur Leclerc, and Antonio Fuoco—rather than the official race drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This choice was intended to better understand and refine the correlation between simulator data and on-track performance, a crucial factor for the optimal development of the 2026 SF-26.
Even though the car is from a previous season, the kilometers covered are extremely valuable. They allow Ferrari to refine simulation tools, test software updates, and keep their development drivers sharp and familiar with the procedures required for efficient car development.
Mugello is the first step in a wider program
The Mugello session represents only the first step in a broader on-track program for Ferrari. Later in April, the team will be at Monza for a filming day with the SF-26, involving the main race drivers. This session will provide an opportunity to validate upgrades in preparation for the resumption of the championship in Miami.
Additionally, Ferrari will run wet-weather testing for Pirelli at the Fiorano circuit. Despite Formula 1 increasingly moving toward limiting on-track testing, this enforced break highlights how every kilometer on track remains crucial.
Ferrari’s decision to organize a TPC session at Mugello underscores the team’s awareness of the value of on-track experience. Even minor details can make a significant difference in car development, and the Mugello test ensures that no aspect is left to chance as the team works to optimize the SF-26 ahead of the next race.
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