Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc completed their first laps in the 2026 Ferrari SF-26 during Tuesday’s Barcelona shakedown test, but the FIA has reportedly decided to take a closer look at the Italian team’s ambitious new design.
While several rival teams chose to sit out the second day of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya due to rain, Ferrari joined Red Bull in putting their new packages on track. Charles Leclerc started the day with a few laps in dry conditions before the rain arrived, after which Lewis Hamilton took over in the afternoon. Hamilton experienced a minor excursion through the gravel on his initial laps, but the most notable incident of the day occurred when Isack Hadjar crashed the Red Bull RB22 later in the session.
Ferrari opted to run a baseline version of their 2026 F1 car in Barcelona. The Scuderia’s strategy is to keep the full design under wraps for now while still collecting critical early-season data. The 2026 regulations represent the most extensive overhaul of the F1 rulebook to date, introducing new engine, chassis, and aerodynamic requirements.
FIA raises questions over Ferrari’s ‘aggressive’ 2026 aero approach
After a winless 2025 campaign that exposed persistent ride height and aerodynamic issues, Ferrari returned to a push-rod suspension layout for the SF-26. The team has also pursued an extensive aerodynamic overhaul to reduce drag while maximizing efficiency under the new regulations.
However, reports from SPEEDWEEK indicate that the FIA has intervened to review Ferrari’s design more thoroughly. The governing body is particularly focused on how “aggressive” the Maranello engineers have been with their new aero package. The FIA will now conduct a detailed evaluation of the SF-26 to ensure that all elements comply with the 2026 technical regulations.
This closer inspection comes amid delays in the FIA’s approval process. Jason Somerville, who previously managed reviews of team aero submissions, resigned in late November and is set to join Alpine once his gardening leave concludes. His departure has caused temporary setbacks in the FIA’s ability to clear all teams’ 2026 designs on schedule.
Ferrari’s refined SF-26 concept highlights innovative packaging
During a private Fiorano shakedown last Friday, Ferrari revealed the highly compact engine and sidepod packaging on the SF-26 as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc took to the track. While the tight sidepods are a standout feature, Ferrari’s innovations do not stop there. The team has incorporated a hole in the rear diffuser, a solution aimed at optimizing airflow speed to the diffuser despite the more basic floor requirements under the 2026 regulations. This allows Ferrari to regain some downforce while still complying with new aerodynamic restrictions.
Overall, Ferrari’s early testing in Barcelona suggests that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will have a car that could address many of the problems that hampered their 2025 season. With the FIA now reviewing the aggressive aero concepts, the focus will be on the Maranello engineers and technicians to see whether the SF-26 can maintain its bold approach while remaining fully compliant for the new Formula 1 season.
