Ferrari reveals its Barcelona test schedule: Leclerc and Hamilton to share SF-26 duties
The second day of 2026 shakedown testing has concluded, marking the first real track time for the new Ferrari SF-26 since only a few kilometers were completed at Fiorano. The Maranello team has now begun its official testing program at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Fans are wondering when we will next see Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, and Ferrari has now outlined how the SF-26 running schedule will proceed.
The importance of the shakedown
This shakedown session is crucial for both drivers and teams. It provides the first real impressions of the new car’s behaviour, designed under the fully revised 2026 technical regulations that have transformed both aerodynamics and power unit architecture. Most importantly, it allows the team to cover as many kilometers as possible to test the new Power Unit and assess its reliability.
On a rain-affected Montmeló, only two teams ventured on track. Ferrari began the day with Charles Leclerc in the morning and continued with Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon, while Red Bull ran Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. Ferrari’s session ended with Hamilton briefly ending up in the gravel, but he managed to get the car back to the garage without damage.
Ferrari’s testing schedule
After this first day of running, Ferrari will pause to analyze the data before returning to track on Thursday, January 29, and Friday, January 30. The driver rotation for these sessions will be as follows:
- Thursday, January 29: Morning – Lewis Hamilton, Afternoon – Charles Leclerc
- Friday, January 30: Morning – Charles Leclerc, Afternoon – Lewis Hamilton
These sessions will allow Ferrari to cover significant mileage with the new Power Unit while gaining a better understanding of the SF-26’s behaviour. Any necessary adjustments can then be applied in preparation for the upcoming Bahrain tests, ensuring the car is optimized for the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Leave a Reply