Ferrari SF-26 shows poor response to Max Verstappen’s first-gear braking technique. Ferrari’s SF-26 struggled to replicate Max Verstappen’s high-rev first-gear downshift trick during 2026 Bahrain F1 test.

During the latest 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain, Ferrari’s new SF-26 power unit revealed its limitations when attempting the high-rev first-gear downshift technique first showcased by Max Verstappen earlier in testing. While other teams have quickly adapted their hybrid power units to exploit this method for rapid energy regeneration, Ferrari-powered cars appeared unable to fully replicate the approach.

Power units are a major focus of discussion heading into the 2026 season, with Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Audi, and Honda all undergoing close scrutiny for differing technical approaches. Ferrari, in particular, appear to have opted for a smaller turbocharger than many of their competitors. This decision is thought to have been made to address potential challenges during race starts, a period where turbo spool-up and hybrid energy deployment are critical for optimal performance.

Meanwhile, Mercedes may soon phase out their compression trick, and Honda’s power unit seems to be lagging behind the competition in both efficiency and energy recovery capabilities. One of the more intricate aspects of the new 2026 power units is the management and recharging of the battery system during a lap. Max Verstappen quickly demonstrated that dropping down to first gear in slower corners allows the battery to recharge more effectively, a technique that could yield significant performance gains over a race distance.

Ferrari SF-26 reacts poorly to high-rev first-gear downshift

Formula 1 journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm, speaking on The Race F1 Podcast, highlighted how Ferrari-powered teams struggled to implement this strategy. He explained that the SF-26 “does not go near first gear in the way other engines do,” attributing this behavior to Ferrari’s smaller turbo design, which prioritizes optimal race-start performance. The smaller turbo appears to compromise the car’s ability to handle the aggressive second-to-first downshift, a maneuver that other manufacturers have adopted without issue.

Scott Mitchell-Malm noted that he observed Charles Leclerc attempt the downshift at trackside, only to see the car react unpredictably. The same issue was reported when Oliver Bearman tested the technique in the Haas. The Ferrari power unit simply could not accommodate the maneuver reliably, and both drivers largely abandoned repeated attempts. Mitchell-Malm suggested that Ferrari may need to find alternative strategies to achieve the same energy recovery and performance outcomes, highlighting a rare example of technical divergence in a field where most power units are converging on similar solutions.

Telemetry confirms Ferrari experimenting with first-gear downshift

Telemetry data from early in Wednesday’s session confirmed that Charles Leclerc was attempting the high-rev downshift method at specific corners. During three of his first four faster laps, the Monegasque driver tried dropping into first gear through turns one, four, and ten. This indicates that Ferrari are actively experimenting with power unit settings and energy regeneration techniques, attempting to maximize the SF-26’s performance potential within the new 2026 regulations.

With insights from drivers such as Alex Albon suggesting that Lewis Hamilton could excel under the current regulations, the SF-26’s ability to support both Lewis Hamilton’s and Charles Leclerc’s driving styles may be critical to Ferrari’s championship ambitions. The team has already introduced parts in Bahrain that are difficult for rivals to replicate, and understanding which tricks from other teams can be adapted—or improved upon—will be key for maintaining a competitive edge.

While Ferrari’s SF-26 may not yet fully exploit Max Verstappen’s first-gear downshift technique, the Maranello team’s willingness to experiment with power unit strategies and tailor solutions to their unique engine design demonstrates their continued innovation under the 2026 Formula 1 rules. Observers will be keen to see whether the Scuderia can close the gap on energy recovery and leverage these findings as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses.