Charles Leclerc is on track in Barcelona for his scheduled morning session today, but could Ferrari radically change its testing plan? Here is what is emerging, along with the first PHOTOS and VIDEOS.
The Maranello-based Scuderia decided to begin its on-track activity today, Tuesday 27 January, choosing to skip the first available day of the Barcelona tests. Has Ferrari also decided to make changes to its plan for the coming days? Here is what is emerging, together with the first photos and videos of Charles Leclerc on track with the SF-26.
The second day of testing sees fewer teams on track compared to yesterday, when the Ferrari power unit, together with its customer teams, completed a total of 198 laps. Today, Mercedes, Audi, Alpine, Cadillac and Haas have all chosen to postpone their activity due to the possibility of rain expected this afternoon on the Catalan circuit.
The Prancing Horse has not changed its initial programme, heading out of the garage with Charles Leclerc at the wheel of the SF-26. Weather conditions remain uncertain in Barcelona over these days, and it appears that Ferrari is evaluating a possible change of plan regarding its overall schedule. Here is what the Monegasque driver has done so far and the potential changes that could be coming.
Hamilton on track today if weather allows, Ferrari running on Thursday 29 and Friday 30?
Charles Leclerc was the first driver to take to the track on the Spanish circuit this morning. Ferrari had already given the SF-26 its debut at Fiorano, but only during a very short shakedown of 15 kilometres, completing just two laps with each driver.
Max Verstappen caused a red flag after running wide and ending up in the gravel. His Red Bull then returned regularly to the pits, and the track was cleared with the green light shown once again.
The Monegasque completed an initial stint of 11 laps on C2 medium tyres, setting a best lap time of 1:20.8, as reported by SoyMotor.com. Yesterday’s fastest lap was set by Isack Hadjar with a time of 1:18.159.
However, the Prancing Horse could change its plans depending on the weather conditions. As reported by Rosario Giuliana, Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to drive the SF-26 today, but only if the rain does not arrive. With a high probability, though, the programme could be modified.
At 10:35 local time, rain began to fall on the circuit. Ferrari currently has four sets of intermediate tyres and two sets of full wet tyres available.
Ferrari is officially scheduled to run on 27 January (today), 28 January and 29 January. However, the team is now reportedly considering postponing part of its activity as well. Giuliano Duchessa, on his X profile and on Sky Sport F1, suggested that Ferrari could shift its plans to Thursday 29 and Friday 30, avoiding running tomorrow (Wednesday 28).
“Ferrari will be ‘flexible’, it will run today and then evaluate the weather. But I would say it will return on Thursday and Friday…”
This therefore almost confirms a change in activity for the Maranello team. Further updates will obviously follow, including details related to the work being carried out today. Below is also a video showing Charles Leclerc passing by in the SF-26.
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