During the afternoon session of the first day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, Charles Leclerc took to the track to perform a practice start with the Ferrari SF-26. This session allowed the Monegasque driver to focus on one of the most crucial aspects of race weekends: optimizing the launch off the line under realistic conditions.
Practice starts are a key part of Ferrari’s pre-season program, especially with the new 2026 regulations introducing significant changes to aerodynamics and energy deployment. Teams are now putting extra emphasis on getting the launch procedure right, as the interaction between the internal combustion engine and the hybrid battery system has become increasingly complex. Charles Leclerc’s work in the afternoon was designed to gather data on the car’s traction, wheel spin, and power delivery in real-world conditions, which will help the engineers fine-tune the SF-26 for the opening rounds of the championship.
Understanding Ferrari’s approach
The Monegasque’s session was more than just about starting technique. Ferrari used the opportunity to monitor how the car behaves under different battery deployment settings and how tire grip evolves during the initial meters of a launch. The engineers can combine this data with telemetry from the long runs conducted earlier to create a more complete picture of the SF-26’s performance. It’s a methodical approach, showing how Ferrari balances both short-term performance checks and longer endurance runs.
Insights from the practice start
Even in a short run like a practice start, subtle details can make a difference. Observers noticed that Charles Leclerc managed the delicate balance between wheelspin and traction control very efficiently, which is crucial for gaining a competitive edge at the start of the race. Given the challenges Ferrari faced with managing the hybrid system in the first half of the day, these sessions provide valuable information for adjusting the car’s energy recovery system and torque delivery in preparation for the upcoming rounds.
Day 1 takeaways for Ferrari
Overall, Leclerc’s practice start is just one element of a busy first day in Bahrain. Combining his work with the long runs completed in both the morning and afternoon sessions, Ferrari now has an extensive dataset to analyze. The Maranello team logged over 130 laps collectively, confirming that the SF-26 is already showing promising reliability. While it’s still too early to judge outright performance compared to rivals, these incremental steps, including practice starts and tire simulations, are essential for preparing the car for competitive race conditions.
Fans can expect more detailed updates as Ferrari continues their testing program, particularly as Charles Leclerc and his team explore further refinements to maximize traction, hybrid deployment, and overall consistency across race distances.
Video coverage
Footage from the session shows Charles Leclerc executing the practice start smoothly, providing viewers with a close-up look at the SF-26’s response under real launch conditions. These images give an early glimpse into Ferrari’s approach for 2026 and the meticulous attention to detail required to extract every fraction of performance from the car.
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