Ferrari is heading into the second round of collective testing in Bahrain with growing confidence. The engineering teams – with the exception of Honda – have so far been able to breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to mileage completed. The Scuderia has covered more distance than any other team during the opening phase of pre-season running, and that is always a positive sign when it comes to building consistency and reliability ahead of the new Formula 1 season.
After working on the baseline configuration established during the shakedown in Spain, Ferrari focused on refining the setup and correlating data through the use of aerodynamic rakes mounted in every session. This structured approach allowed the engineers in Maranello to validate the initial simulations and wind tunnel findings. Now, as the second week begins, the programme can gradually shift more decisively toward outright performance.
The new floor and revised front wing, combined with internal chassis modifications and updated fuel specifications, have delivered encouraging results so far. These developments represent an important step in the evolution of the SF-26, particularly as Ferrari aims to close the gap at the front of the grid in what promises to be an intensely competitive Formula 1 season.
Tyre selection has also been carefully planned. Ferrari made a deliberate decision to focus heavily on the medium compounds during the first week, and the same philosophy will apply in this second round of Bahrain testing. The Italian team has selected 16 sets of C3 tyres, two sets each of C1 and C2, and four sets of C4. Notably, Ferrari has opted to avoid the C5 compound, which is considered unrepresentative at the Bahrain International Circuit due to the track’s high degradation levels and abrasive asphalt surface.
The SF-26 will continue to receive new components over the coming days. After obtaining approval from the FIA, these parts have entered production and are now being introduced to the car. In a move that somewhat contrasts with the strategy adopted in recent years, Ferrari will effectively debut a near-Melbourne specification earlier than usual. This proactive approach will allow the Maranello engineers to gather additional data, further confirm the positive correlation between track and simulation, and begin laying the foundations for future development with greater certainty. It will also ensure that preparations for the season opener in Melbourne are as thorough as possible.
The driver line-up for the second week confirms that Ferrari is reversing the programme seen during the first week, while still guaranteeing a full day of running for each driver. Charles Leclerc will be in the car for the entire day on Wednesday. Lewis Hamilton will take over for the whole of Thursday and will also drive on Friday morning. That means the Monegasque driver will close out the final test session on Friday afternoon, a period that is often used to attempt qualifying simulations and extract maximum single-lap performance.
According to a ‘super partes’ source, based on what has been observed so far, there appear to be three or four leading cars that may have clearly separated themselves from the rest of the field. If that early impression proves accurate, the competitive order at the front of the grid could already be taking shape as teams fine-tune their packages during this decisive second week of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain.
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