After the opening day of 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc summed up his first impressions, emphasizing that while the on-track sensations differed significantly from what he experienced in Barcelona, the data collected during the session aligned perfectly with the factory simulations, allowing the team to continue refining the SF-26.
The first day in Bahrain saw Leclerc finish third overall, but the main focus was not lap times. Instead, the emphasis was on correlation work and understanding the new Ferrari SF-26, with five more testing days scheduled before the start of the championship. Having already assessed the car’s reliability during the Barcelona tests, Ferrari is now concentrating on the latest aerodynamic updates and fine-tuning the setup.
It was no surprise that Ferrari had fitted the traditional measurement tools across several parts of the car during the morning session. These instruments are essential for ongoing data collection and feed directly into the simulator, where the team can compare winter-developed models and optimize them for the following days’ planned testing program.
Charles Leclerc completed 61 laps in total on his first day, having driven only in the afternoon session, while Lewis Hamilton had handled the morning stint and completed 52 laps. It is still far too early to draw conclusions, and most teams are keeping quiet. Lap times can vary widely depending on energy management, so internal focus remains the priority.
Within Ferrari, attention remains firmly on development work for the SF-26, which featured updates to the front wing and floor in Bahrain. Reflecting on the day, Leclerc highlighted that the most positive aspect of this first session was completing the planned program without any issues, coupled with solid data correlation between track and factory simulations.
Charles Leclerc explained that his first half-day of testing was productive because the team managed to complete the program without significant problems, which is always a positive outcome at this early stage. He also pointed out that the on-track feeling in Bahrain is quite different from Barcelona, which is understandable given how distinct the two circuits are.
One of the main challenges in Bahrain was the wind, a perennial factor at Sakhir, which can significantly affect car behavior. On cars that already tend to oversteer at the rear due to reduced downforce and mechanical grip while managing electric traction, gusts of wind are felt even more acutely.
Charles Leclerc added that the different track conditions provide valuable experience, helping him and the team understand how the SF-26 behaves in a range of scenarios. This exposure to diverse circuits is crucial for optimizing the car before the start of the season.
The most encouraging aspect, however, is that the track data matches the factory simulations—a vital confirmation given the scale of the technical changes this year. Leclerc concluded by noting that this alignment between on-track and factory data allows Ferrari to continue developing the car with confidence, aiming to be as prepared as possible for the season opener.
“So far, the data is broadly in line with what we expected from the simulations, which is encouraging. The goal now is to continue executing the program and ensure we are fully prepared for the first race,” said Charles Leclerc.
This first day has provided the foundation Ferrari needs to move from basic validation to performance hunting. As the team continues to refine the SF-26 over the next few days, the focus will remain on stabilizing the rear end and perfecting the complex energy recovery systems that will define the 2026 title fight.
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