After a busy morning session with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was back on track at the Circuit de Catalunya for the afternoon portion of Day 4 of the 2026 pre-season testing.
The Briton had kicked off the day for Ferrari, completing a solid 87 laps in the SF-26 and recording a best lap of 1’18″654. While this was around 1.6 seconds slower than Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s fastest effort earlier in the day, lap times at this stage of testing remain largely indicative, focusing more on car reliability and setup than outright performance.
With Charles Leclerc now taking the wheel, Ferrari continues its extensive testing program aimed at fine-tuning the SF-26’s balance, aerodynamics, and overall handling. The afternoon session allows the Maranello team to gather further insights into tire behavior and car response under different fuel loads, helping engineers optimize the car before the first Grand Prix.
Pre-season testing remains a critical period for Ferrari, especially with new technical regulations in 2026. Both drivers are expected to complete multiple long runs, simulating race conditions to identify any weaknesses in the chassis or power unit. Charles Leclerc’s feedback will be essential in complementing Lewis Hamilton’s morning work, giving the team a full picture of the car’s performance envelope.
Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring the SF-26’s consistency throughout the day, as Ferrari looks to maintain its competitive edge. While lap times are secondary at this stage, the data collected will inform setup choices, aerodynamics tweaks, and power unit mapping for the upcoming season.
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