Ferrari completed an extensive 623 kilometres of running at Imola as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc took turns at the wheel of the SF-26 during the opening day of Pirelli’s latest 2027 Formula 1 tyre test. The Maranello team evaluated the C3, C4 and C5 compounds through a programme combining five-lap runs with longer stints designed to identify the most promising specifications.
The test at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari represented another important step in Pirelli’s development of its 2027 tyre range. A final decision on the specifications will be made at the end of the year, with the manufacturer using the data and driver feedback gathered across its various test sessions during 2026.
Lewis Hamilton begins Ferrari’s 2027 Pirelli tyre programme
Conditions at Imola were particularly warm for tyre evaluation. Track temperature reached a maximum of 50°C, while the air temperature climbed to 32°C at the circuit alongside the Santerno river.
Lewis Hamilton took to the track at 09:40 under clear skies. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion worked with the three softest compounds involved in the programme, the C3, C4 and C5.
Ferrari and Pirelli initially concentrated on five-lap runs, testing a couple of different options for each compound. The programme then moved towards longer runs so the teams could assess which solution performed best over a more representative stint.
Lewis Hamilton completed 64 laps and 314 kilometres during his morning programme. His fastest lap was a 1:19.485.
Charles Leclerc takes over the SF-26 and sets the fastest time
In the afternoon, Lewis Hamilton handed the SF-26 over to Charles Leclerc, allowing the Monegasque driver to complete the same programme as his Ferrari team-mate.
Charles Leclerc covered 63 laps, just one fewer than Lewis Hamilton, for a total distance of 309 kilometres. He also recorded the quickest lap of the day with a 1:18.832.
Combined, the two Ferrari drivers therefore completed 127 laps and 623 kilometres. The running provided Pirelli with substantial data across its C3, C4 and C5 options while giving both Ferrari race drivers direct experience of the compounds being assessed for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
The mileage also offered Ferrari valuable track time with the SF-26. The team has already explained why continued SF-26 development can contribute to its preparations for 2027, making additional running particularly interesting as Formula 1 teams increasingly balance their current programmes with work towards next season.
Imola running could carry added importance for Ferrari
For Ferrari, the test was significant for another reason beyond the evaluation of Pirelli’s future tyres. Barring a major change of plans, Imola is expected to host the final event of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, replacing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
That possibility gives the mileage accumulated by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc additional relevance, with Ferrari completing more than 600 kilometres at a circuit that could ultimately become decisive at the end of the season. The wider sequence of remaining events can be followed through the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
Rafael Câmara and Arthur Leclerc also drive Ferrari’s SF-25
Ferrari’s activity at Imola was not limited to the Pirelli programme. The Italian team simultaneously carried out a TPC, or Testing of Previous Cars, session with two other drivers using the SF-25, its 2025 Formula 1 car.
Rafael Câmara was first behind the wheel, beginning his morning running at 09:10. The 21-year-old Brazilian from Recife then handed the SF-25 over to Arthur Leclerc for the afternoon session.
The separate TPC programme allowed Ferrari to maximise its track activity while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc concentrated on Pirelli’s future tyre development with the current SF-26.
Antonio Giovinazzi takes over as Racing Bulls joins Pirelli test
Ferrari’s work at Imola will continue tomorrow, when Antonio Giovinazzi is scheduled to take over the SF-26. The Italian driver will continue assisting Pirelli with its evaluation and selection of compounds for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
Ferrari will not be alone on track during the second day. Racing Bulls is also due to participate in Pirelli’s tyre development programme with the VCARB03. Its two race drivers, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, are scheduled to share driving duties.
The Imola test therefore gives Pirelli another substantial body of information as it works towards finalising its 2027 range, while Ferrari has already accumulated 623 kilometres of running with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc across three of the compounds under evaluation.
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