Spain GP 2026 full schedule: Ferrari brings upgrades as brake questions intensify

Spain GP 2026 full schedule: Ferrari brings upgrades as brake questions intensify. Ferrari targets Barcelona breakthrough with new SF-26 updates.

Ferrari arrives at the Spanish Grand Prix facing several important questions following the dramatic events of Monaco. The spotlight has fallen on the brake issue that contributed to Charles Leclerc’s retirement, a topic that now extends beyond Brembo and includes technical changes Lewis Hamilton has been using since the Japanese Grand Prix. At the same time, Barcelona is expected to mark the arrival of Ferrari’s second major upgrade package for the SF-26.

The Maranello-based team has plenty of work ahead as it attempts to address a number of issues that first became visible during the Monaco weekend. For several races now, Lewis Hamilton has been using Carbon Industries brake discs, while Charles Leclerc’s frustration after his retirement led to strong comments directed at the braking system. Brembo subsequently responded with an official statement, further increasing attention on the situation.

As Ferrari prepares for Spain, all eyes will be on whether Charles Leclerc adopts the same brake-disc solution already used by his teammate and whether the latest upgrades can help the Scuderia close the gap to its rivals.

Major Ferrari upgrades expected in Barcelona

For several weeks, Ferrari engineers have identified Barcelona as a key milestone in the development of the SF-26. The Spanish Grand Prix has long been scheduled as the event where another significant package of upgrades would be introduced.

According to internal expectations, the new components could deliver a theoretical gain of around two tenths of a second per lap.

The update package is expected to include a further evolution of the FTM wing located ahead of the exhaust area, as well as another revision of the floor. Ferrari may even conduct direct comparisons between the new floor and the current specification during the opening free practice sessions in Barcelona.

There could also be smaller modifications to the bodywork, although nothing particularly dramatic is expected in that area. The most visually noticeable changes are likely to appear on the front wing, a component that Lewis Hamilton has discussed on several occasions throughout the season.

The brake debate continues

Alongside the aerodynamic developments, Ferrari will continue to investigate the brake-related issues that became one of the dominant stories of the Monaco weekend. Charles Leclerc was visibly frustrated after his retirement and openly blamed the braking system for the accident that ended his race. Following Brembo’s official response, further details emerged regarding Lewis Hamilton’s use of Carbon Industries brake discs since the Japanese Grand Prix.

The question now is whether Charles Leclerc will adopt the same configuration in Barcelona as he searches for improved confidence and consistency under braking.

For Ferrari, the Spanish Grand Prix could therefore prove crucial not only for the performance gains expected from the latest upgrades, but also for resolving one of the most discussed technical topics within the team.