Ferrari are now completing the final preparations on the 2026 Formula 1 car that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will drive during the first behind-closed-doors test in Barcelona. The team is focused on collecting essential data under the sport’s sweeping 2026 regulations, which bring unprecedented changes to engines, aerodynamics, chassis, and tyres.
The initial F1 shakedown in Barcelona is scheduled for January 26-30, marking a private session rather than a full pre-season test. Formula 1 arranged the closed-door event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to allow teams to run their new cars safely while keeping early technical insights out of public view. Ferrari ceased development on their 2025 car in April to fully concentrate on the new rulebook, aiming to claim their first drivers’ and constructors’ titles since 2008.
Fans will be able to see the Ferrari SF-26 in action for the first time during the public pre-season test in Bahrain on February 11-13, followed by a second session from February 18-20. The 2026 season then officially begins in Australia from March 6-8, where Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will take their first competitive laps in the new car.
Ferrari plans third sidepod concept for season opener in Australia
While Audi has already run its 2026 car on track in Barcelona, Ferrari are scheduling a shakedown for the SF-26 at Fiorano on January 23, which will include a filming day. The same day, Ferrari plan to reveal the car’s 2026 livery for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, while keeping all technical details under wraps.
According to Italian media reports, Ferrari intend to experiment with sidepod configurations during the Bahrain tests that they will ultimately discard for the Australian Grand Prix. The Scuderia already have two distinct sidepod designs ready for Bahrain, allowing them to maximise mileage and gather crucial aerodynamic data before the season opener. In Barcelona, Ferrari will deploy a “basic” aero package designed to prioritise reliability and track time over outright performance.
For Bahrain, Ferrari have designed a sidepod with a wider entry section to evaluate airflow and cooling effects, but this version will not be raced in Australia. This approach ensures that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will start the season with the most competitive and optimised configuration of the SF-26.
Ferrari focuses on data correlation over performance
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasised that both the Barcelona shakedown and Bahrain tests are primarily about data collection and correlation, rather than showcasing speed. He has instructed engineers to focus on aligning CFD simulations and wind tunnel results with real-world telemetry to overcome historical challenges in performance prediction. Reliability checks and aerodynamic validation are the priority, ensuring that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc start the season with a car that is both fast and dependable.
This cautious approach also reflects Ferrari’s desire to keep their 2026 car’s true pace hidden from rival teams until the Australian Grand Prix qualifying session. With the new engine and aerodynamic regulations, any early leaks could provide competitors with valuable insights. Ferrari’s measured strategy demonstrates a clear focus on long-term success rather than short-term headlines.
Countdown to Hamilton and Leclerc’s title challenge
Fans will need to wait until the Australian Grand Prix to see if the SF-26 gives Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc the tools to challenge for Ferrari’s first drivers’ championship since 2007 and the first constructors’ title since 2008. With meticulous preparation, a third sidepod concept ready to test, and a shakedown designed to maximise data acquisition, Ferrari are laying the foundation for a season that could end their 18-year title drought.
