Ferrari have submitted a formal proposal to the FIA requesting the organization of a joint in-season Formula 1 test at Monza during the extended gap in the 2026 calendar caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. The suggestion comes as the F1 paddock prepares for a one-month break following the Japanese Grand Prix, with racing set to resume in Miami on May 1-3.
The cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races were made due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While F1 initially considered relocating the events to alternative venues, the decision was ultimately made not to replace the races. This has left a five-week gap in the early 2026 season in addition to the standard four-week summer break. Ferrari see this period as an ideal opportunity to carry out testing, particularly to improve energy management in line with the new 2026 regulations, which have emphasized hybrid deployment and energy recovery.
Ferrari argue the benefits of a joint test
According to Ferrari, a joint test at Monza would allow all 11 teams to prepare for the energy management challenges expected at the Italian Grand Prix in September. With circuits like Monza demanding high-energy deployment and careful battery usage under the 2026 regulations, the Scuderia believe that organized testing could provide crucial insights into optimizing performance and tyre management.
However, opposition has already emerged from rival teams. Sources close to Nextgen-Auto indicate that Mercedes, along with Aston Martin, McLaren, and Williams, are reluctant to support Ferrari’s request to the FIA. While the cost cap is not affected by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races—leaving teams financially capable of conducting in-season tests—teams that are currently performing well, like Mercedes, see little benefit in granting Ferrari additional track time.
Mercedes’ strategic motives behind resistance
Mercedes have been the most dominant team since the introduction of the 2026 F1 regulations, and the W17 has consistently shown superior energy management capabilities. This advantage allows Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to maintain pace and extract maximum performance from the car, especially during longer stints, where rivals Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari SF-26 often struggle. Sources suggest Mercedes fear that a joint test at Monza could allow Ferrari to reduce this gap by experimenting with energy recovery and hybrid deployment strategies under real track conditions, potentially threatening Mercedes’ early-season advantage.
In the event the FIA rejects Ferrari’s proposal for a joint in-season test, the Scuderia could still arrange a filming day at Monza. However, such sessions are heavily restricted, with a maximum of 200 kilometers allowed per day, limiting the effectiveness of testing. An official joint test, in contrast, would permit unlimited mileage and provide all teams with the opportunity to trial new energy management strategies under competitive conditions.
Impact on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both faced challenges in matching Mercedes’ pace under the 2026 regulations. While the SF-26 has shown competitive moments, it is more sensitive to tyre wear and energy deployment than the Mercedes W17. Allowing a joint test at Monza would enable Ferrari to work on mitigating these weaknesses, improving hybrid management and straight-line speed, while helping Hamilton and Leclerc prepare for the unique demands of circuits with high-energy requirements.
Industry insiders suggest that Mercedes’ reluctance to support the FIA approval is largely motivated by strategic concerns. Granting Ferrari additional track time, particularly at a circuit like Monza, could enable Hamilton and Leclerc to close the performance deficit and increase the competitiveness of the championship. The debate over in-season testing in 2026 highlights the growing tension among teams as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the new technical regulations.
Looking ahead
The FIA is expected to make a decision on Ferrari’s request in the coming days. Should the governing body approve the test, it would mark one of the few official in-season opportunities for teams to adapt to the 2026 regulations outside of race weekends. Conversely, if the proposal is denied, the Maranello team will need to rely on limited filming days and simulation work to bridge the gap to Mercedes, whose early-season dominance has positioned them as the team to beat under the new hybrid-focused regulations.
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