Ferrari SF-26 shows promise in Bahrain testing but rear balance needs work. Ferrari completed a productive first day of pre-season testing in Bahrain with the SF-26.

Ferrari completed the first day of Bahrain testing without major issues, running a total of 132 laps, equivalent to 715 kilometers, split between Lewis Hamilton in the morning and Charles Leclerc in the afternoon. The day followed a methodical approach, focusing on data collection and correlation between track and simulator in a very different environment from the Barcelona shakedown.

Lewis Hamilton began the program shortly after 10 a.m. local time, initially fitted with aerodynamic rakes for standard pressure mapping and flow checks around the bodywork. This preliminary phase was necessary to validate CFD models and wind tunnel work before moving on to performance-oriented sessions.

The British driver worked on C2 and later C3 compounds, targeting low and medium hardness tires. This allowed the team to gather information on thermal management and mechanical balance during the early setup development. Hamilton completed 52 laps, totaling 281 kilometers, with a best lap of 1’36”433 on C3 tires. Beyond lap times, the focus was on understanding the SF-26’s behavior under reduced grip, with strong winds and a significant amount of sand on the track affecting aerodynamic stability and tire operating windows.

In the afternoon, the car was adapted to Charles Leclerc’s ergonomic specifications, and he largely followed the morning program structure. The Monegasque driver completed long runs, start practice, and pit stop simulations, all crucial for building a reliable picture of tire degradation and operational management.

Charles Leclerc started with used C3 tires before switching to a set of C2s for a 20-lap run. At the end of the day, he used new C3s to set a best lap of 1’35”190, completing a total of 80 laps and 433 kilometers. This significant mileage helps consolidate the data base in preparation for upcoming sessions.

Lewis Hamilton reported that returning to the cockpit and completing more laps had been positive. He noted that the track conditions were challenging due to dust, sand, and strong winds. He explained that it was still too early to evaluate the car’s true performance, as each driver was following different programs. He highlighted that the team was highly focused and would continue working step by step to improve. He also expressed some frustration about his track engineer situation in private channels.

Charles Leclerc described his session as productive, noting that the program had been completed without significant problems, which is encouraging at this stage. He emphasized that conditions in Bahrain differed greatly from Barcelona, providing valuable experience with the car in a new environment. He stated that the data aligned closely with simulator predictions, giving confidence as the team continues the program to prepare for the season opener.

Overall, the first day presented a clear picture: no extreme search for lap times, but a structured focus on data collection, setup balance, and understanding tire-aerodynamic interactions. In a regulatory context that is still developing, the competitive edge comes from high-quality analysis and accurate interpretation of every kilometer completed. Ferrari can be satisfied with the work done so far.

A last-minute change to the schedule was noted: unlike today, there will be no driver rotation. Charles Leclerc will drive today, and Hamilton is scheduled for Friday.