Ferrari made a strong start to the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix weekend, with the SF-26 appearing to have a very effective baseline set-up during the only free practice session. Charles Leclerc finished second and Lewis Hamilton fourth, while the Maranello team also carried out comparative testing between the two cars as it works towards a final configuration for Sprint Qualifying.
The Scuderia arrived at the Singapore Sprint weekend with what appeared to be a solid starting point for both drivers. The main focus in FP1 was not only outright performance, but also understanding the differences between the two SF-26 configurations and deciding which direction could offer the best compromise between aerodynamic load, efficiency and performance over a qualifying lap.
Charles Leclerc P2 and Lewis Hamilton P4 in Singapore FP1
During the first and only practice session at Marina Bay, both Ferrari drivers began on the hard compound. Charles Leclerc completed 16 laps on the white-marked tyres, one fewer than Lewis Hamilton. The Monegasque’s best time on that compound was a 1:33.864, while Lewis Hamilton recorded a 1:34.383.
Both drivers also completed sequences of consecutive laps, giving Ferrari useful information on the car over more sustained running. During the final part of the session, both switched to the soft tyres and set their reference times.
Charles Leclerc produced a 1:32.472 to finish second overall, while Lewis Hamilton recorded a 1:32.773 and ended the session in fourth place. Both Ferrari drivers completed 26 laps, giving the team a total of 52 laps across the session.
The combination of single-lap and longer-run data suggested that Ferrari had started the weekend from a competitive baseline. The different stints can also be assessed in broader context through the ScuderiaFans F1 Practice & Long-Run Analysis.
Ferrari compares two different SF-26 rear-wing solutions
One of the most interesting elements of Ferrari’s programme was the aerodynamic comparison between the two cars. Lewis Hamilton ran the well-known “Christmas tree” configuration on the rear wing, referring to the vertical sequence of flap elements positioned in the centre of the wing. Charles Leclerc did not use the same solution.
The purpose of the comparison was to understand the differences in aerodynamic load and efficiency produced by the two configurations. Ferrari therefore had an opportunity to evaluate whether the extra rear downforce on Lewis Hamilton’s SF-26 offered a meaningful advantage or whether a lower-drag approach could provide a better overall lap.
The data indicated that Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes all appeared to have begun the weekend with strong base set-ups. The gaps at the front were very small, while Mercedes also had the opportunity to collect a significant amount of comparative information because Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell were running notably different cars.
Ferrari nevertheless looked particularly solid from the opening laps. The SF-26 was competitive on both the hard and soft compounds, and that performance was visible not only over a single lap but also in the short race-pace work completed during the session.
Will Ferrari converge on one Singapore configuration?
The differences between the two Ferrari solutions did not reveal any major advantage for the higher-downforce configuration used by Lewis Hamilton. Although the Briton had more aerodynamic load at the rear of the car, there is also a potential benefit to running less wing because reducing drag can help the car maintain greater efficiency and potentially recover a little more energy towards the end of the lap.
This leaves Ferrari with an important decision before Sprint Qualifying. The engineers must determine whether the additional rear load is worth the extra drag or whether the lighter configuration used by Charles Leclerc provides the better compromise around Marina Bay.
The circuit places particular emphasis on balancing traction, aerodynamic efficiency and confidence through the slower sections, an aspect that is especially important around the Marina Bay layout.
Charles Leclerc gives Ferrari an encouraging reference
Charles Leclerc’s session was particularly positive. The Monegasque looked competitive throughout FP1 and ultimately finished second, providing Ferrari with an encouraging reference ahead of Sprint Qualifying.
The strong baseline suggests the SF-26 is well suited to several of Marina Bay’s characteristics, while its behaviour over the kerbs also appeared positive. The overall picture therefore gives Ferrari reason to believe it can remain competitive in the fight near the front.
Lewis Hamilton’s fourth-place result also confirmed that both cars were operating in a competitive window, even though the two drivers were following slightly different aerodynamic directions. That makes the final set-up decision especially important because Ferrari must now choose the configuration that offers the best opportunity when outright qualifying performance becomes decisive.
Power-unit performance remains Ferrari’s key Singapore question
Despite the encouraging car behaviour, one major uncertainty remains ahead of Sprint Qualifying. The crucial factor could be the performance step Ferrari’s rivals are able to unlock through their power units when moving from practice to qualifying conditions.
The SF-26 does not appear to have the same power available as some of its rivals, meaning that any significant increase from Mercedes or McLaren could reduce Ferrari’s chances even if the car continues to perform well through the corners. That is the main unresolved issue heading into the session scheduled for 14:30 Central European Summer Time.
The concern is particularly relevant at Marina Bay because strong race pace alone may not be enough. Even if Ferrari proves competitive over longer runs, starting from the third row or further back would make it far more difficult to challenge for victory on a street circuit where track position carries significant importance.
Ferrari therefore leaves FP1 with several encouraging signs but also one clear question. The SF-26 has shown strong pace, Charles Leclerc has produced a particularly convincing session and both aerodynamic configurations have provided useful information. The remaining challenge is to decide which set-up direction to follow and whether the car’s available power will be enough to keep Ferrari in the fight when Sprint Qualifying begins.
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