Ferrari is back on track today to complete a series of tests that are considered crucial with a view to the 2026 Formula 1 season. The full programme includes Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and the team will evaluate a “transferable” solution that could be used on next year’s new car. A driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy will also take part in the Young Driver Test. Here is the full plan.
As is customary after every end of season, Pirelli organizes final tests to gather additional data for the development of tyres for the following year. The 2026 regulation changes will bring major updates not only to the power units—split equally between electric and internal combustion power—but also to tyre dimensions. To simulate the significantly reduced downforce expected from the 2026 cars, the SF-25 is running extremely low-downforce wings, just as it did in previous tests this year. Ferrari’s full programme also includes a mechanical solution described as “transferable” to the upcoming car.
Ferrari on track Tuesday, 9 December with updated mechanical components
As announced on Ferrari’s official website, both cars will be on track on Tuesday, 9 December. One of them will be equipped to run with the 2026-spec Pirelli tyres. Leclerc and Hamilton will alternate at the wheel of this experimental car, while Dino Beganovic will drive the standard SF-25 during the Young Driver Test.
The young Ferrari Driver Academy talent gained experience in 2025 by taking part in two FP1 sessions—one in Bahrain and one in Austria—stepping in for Charles Leclerc, along with several test sessions in previous-generation machinery. The mule car driven by the official drivers will also feature an updated rear suspension, as reported by Motorsport.com. Franco Nugnes stated: “It seems they have gone back to the early-season gearbox casing, with the original pull-rod layout modified into a single arm. It is an attempt to evaluate the behaviour of the rear end.”
Within the Ferrari Racing Division, there was a belief that greater performance could be unlocked by returning to the original mechanical concept. However, the idea was considered too expensive under the budget cap. The investment has now been made possible for one test day only. The outcome will help Loïc Serra determine whether the technical choices already made for the 2026 Ferrari are the right ones.
The test will take place from 09:00 to 18:00 at Yas Marina. The Monegasque driver will run in the morning, followed by the seven-time world champion in the afternoon. Each team will receive one set of C2s, three sets each of C3s, C4s and C5s, as well as a set of intermediate tyres in case of rain. Meanwhile, the rookies will use 2025-spec tyres: two sets each of C3 and C5, four sets of C4, and one set of intermediates and full wets should weather conditions require them.
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