Ferrari’s SF-26 performs well, yet energy handling could be the weak point. The Ferrari SF-26 impresses in early 2026 shakedown tests.

With the conclusion of the 2026 car shakedown in Barcelona, the first data has emerged, giving teams and experts the basis for initial analysis of the new Formula 1 season. While these numbers are not yet fully indicative, since teams are still exploring brand-new cars with aerodynamic and power unit innovations, the focus has been on reliability rather than outright performance.

On this front, Mercedes stood out at Montmeló, completing an impressive 500 laps without issues, confirming the overall strength of the W17 project. Positive signals also came from Ferrari, which covered over 2,700 kilometers and gained confirmations about the reliability of its new power unit, collecting valuable data. A promising outcome for the Scuderia, confident in the solidity of its project.

Ferrari, approved but…

Before jumping to conclusions, it should be noted that the true reliability of Ferrari’s power unit, like all others, will only be fully evaluated during the Bahrain tests. It is there that the engines—likely the same units used in Barcelona—will reveal any technical issues caused by high mileage.

Bahrain will therefore be crucial not only for a more realistic assessment but also to clarify the hierarchy among teams, as many will begin focusing on car setups and chasing performance without pushing too hard. To prepare, Ferrari has undertaken in-depth analysis of the Barcelona data, identifying key areas to focus on in Sakhir.

In this direction, the SF-26 has already been shipped to Bahrain, where the team mechanics will assemble it for the first official test session of the season.

No alarms, but watch closely…

To confirm the positive first steps of the project, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have completed simulator sessions to finalize the SF-26 setup for Bahrain and continue the car’s development. In this context, according to sources close to the Scuderia, Ferrari’s engineers are working on the 067/6 power unit’s energy management, concerned by some data observed in a specific “mode” used in Barcelona.

There is no reason for panic, as energy management challenges were anticipated, but it remains an area requiring intervention to minimize what could become the 2026 cars’ Achilles’ heel.

In Maranello, the team is working to address the aspects that were less convincing in Spain, aiming to continue the positive path toward the first race of the season, hoping to avoid a repeat of the harsh reality Sakhir revealed twelve months ago.