From track to sim: Lewis Hamilton’s intense Maranello homework before Bahrain F1 testing. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc completed intensive preparation at Ferrari’s Maranello factory.

It is still far too early to draw firm conclusions about Ferrari’s true competitive position for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign, but the mood inside the Scuderia has been cautiously optimistic following the private shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc reported encouraging initial feedback, even if the team is keen to keep expectations under control.

Lewis Hamilton topped the timing sheets during the Barcelona running, although the significance of that headline result remains unclear due to the limited nature of the shakedown and the many unknown variables involved. Fuel loads, engine modes and run programmes varied significantly across the field, making direct comparisons unreliable. Nevertheless, Ferrari will take confidence from the fact that the SF-26 ran smoothly and without major interruptions.

In terms of mileage, Ferrari completed the second-highest number of laps across the test days, a solid indicator of early reliability. Only Mercedes covered more ground, amassing an imposing total of 504 laps over three days. For Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, this consistency represents a foundation rather than a conclusion, with the real development work only just beginning for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Beyond on-track preparation, both Ferrari drivers are facing a packed schedule away from the circuit. Media duties, sponsor commitments and promotional events are already demanding significant time and energy, adding further pressure during a critical phase of pre-season preparation.

Lewis Hamilton completes intensive simulator work in Maranello

During the past week, Lewis Hamilton was assigned one of the tasks he has historically found the least enjoyable: an extensive simulator programme at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters. According to reports from Formula1.it, the seven-time world champion undertook a detailed and time-consuming simulator session as Ferrari prepared for the first of two three-day tests in Bahrain.

Despite Lewis Hamilton’s well-documented discomfort with simulator work, Ferrari views this phase as essential. The team has already begun an in-depth analysis of the data gathered in Barcelona, with the simulator playing a central role in translating early track feedback into concrete setup directions for Bahrain. Charles Leclerc also completed similar virtual running, ensuring both drivers contributed equally to the development process.

Sources suggest that morale inside Ferrari’s factory is positive, particularly following the performance of the new power unit. The engine reportedly operated reliably across all three teams running Ferrari hardware, a crucial early benchmark as reliability remains a primary concern ahead of the long season.

The extended mileage available during the Bahrain tests is expected to provide Ferrari with a clearer picture of engine durability and operational limits. While Mercedes may still hold an advantage in overall engine management, Ferrari intends to run the same power unit specification used in Barcelona when the SF-26 arrives at the Sakhir International Circuit.

Bahrain will also allow Ferrari far greater freedom to experiment with mechanical and aerodynamic setups. The simulator work completed by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc is expected to heavily influence the direction of that programme, even if Lewis Hamilton has historically admitted to struggling to feel fully connected to virtual car behaviour.

In the modern era of Formula 1, simulator effectiveness has become increasingly important. Drivers such as Max Verstappen have demonstrated how extensive virtual preparation can translate into real-world performance gains, while Oscar Piastri has also been encouraged to place greater emphasis on simulator work as part of his own development.

Ferrari attract attention from rivals after Barcelona running

Although Ferrari’s Barcelona shakedown took place behind closed doors, rival teams were still able to observe key elements from the paddock. Ten of the eleven teams were present at the Circuit de Catalunya, allowing engineers and team principals to scrutinise their competitors at close range. Williams were the only outfit absent, having been unable to run a car during the session.

Williams team principal James Vowles has already offered an initial assessment of Ferrari’s car based on what he observed in Spain. Attention will now turn to how closely the SF-26 presented in Bahrain resembles its Barcelona configuration, as teams begin to reveal more representative setups.

Ferrari raised eyebrows by choosing to run Lewis Hamilton in wet conditions during the shakedown, a decision that may yet prove valuable. The resulting data set is unique, with only Red Bull gathering comparable information after Isack Hadjar’s off-track incident in similarly difficult conditions. That additional insight could prove useful as Ferrari refines its understanding of tyre behaviour and car balance.

With the 2026 Ferrari car already en route to Bahrain to avoid logistical delays, the Scuderia is focused on maximising every available kilometre. The combination of simulator work, factory analysis and real-world running will be vital if Ferrari are to leave behind a disappointing 2025 campaign and re-establish themselves as consistent contenders.

For Lewis Hamilton and his Maranello teammate Charles Leclerc, the coming weeks represent a critical phase. How effectively Ferrari converts early promise into competitive performance may determine whether optimism from Barcelona can be sustained once the lights go out in Bahrain and beyond.