Ferrari SF-26 development: First major updates expected for Bahrain as FIA validates new parts. Discover when Ferrari’s first SF-26 updates are expected.

When will the first SF-26 updates arrive and what will they include? Has the FIA approved everything?

Ferrari is expected to bring the first updates to the SF-26 soon, and fans are eager to know both the timing and the specific areas of the car that will be upgraded. A key question also remains: has the FIA approved all the parts?

The Scuderia conducted its Barcelona tests without encountering any technical issues. The SF-26 has shown promising baseline performance, but now attention turns to the first fundamental upgrades. So when will they arrive, which areas of the car will they target, and has the FIA validated every component?

From Barcelona to Bahrain: testing continues

Following the private tests in Spain, the focus now shifts to the first official session in Bahrain. Coverage will be limited, with only the final hour of each day from February 11 to 13 broadcasted live. Full coverage of all test hours will be available from February 18 to 20. Ferrari continues to work hard to ensure that the on-track data aligns perfectly with the simulator. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are pushing to extract maximum information from the car, but early insights are already emerging regarding the initial upgrades.

SF-26 shows strong foundations, first updates expected soon

According to the Italian website AutoRacer.it, no anomalies were reported in Barcelona. The SF-26 appears to be a healthy platform so far. While Leclerc and Hamilton set some “fast laps,” they did not yet explore the car’s absolute limit, as is typical in early testing. The car is reportedly well-received by the drivers for its front-end balance, but Ferrari is taking a cautious approach.

At Barcelona and Fiorano, the SF-26 ran in its launch specification, featuring simpler aerodynamic shapes and an older floor that had already been tested in the wind tunnel during the previous autumn. The FIA has reportedly approved some—but not all—of the parts that will appear on a more aggressive version of the car. Fans could already see an updated SF-26 in Bahrain, certainly before the season opener in Australia.

What to expect from the first updates

The upcoming version is not a full “B-spec” but rather a substantial first upgrade affecting multiple areas of the car. The double strut supporting the floorboards is expected to be removed soon, improving downforce and overall performance. In addition, Ferrari plans a more detailed floor and a new chassis to reduce weight. Information about the power unit remains limited, but the engine has already logged significant mileage and demonstrated solid reliability in initial tests.

Overall, Ferrari’s SF-26 appears to be on a strong foundation, with early updates likely to enhance aerodynamics, balance, and performance ahead of the 2026 season.

The arrival of the first technical updates for the SF-26 therefore marks a critical phase in Ferrari’s 2026 title ambitions. By focusing on a more sophisticated floor and weight reduction through a new chassis, the team is looking to build on the “healthy” foundation established during the Barcelona shakedown. The success of these upgrades—and their validation by the FIA—will determine if Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have the necessary performance to challenge for the championship right from the opening round in Melbourne.