Ferrari surprises at the Barcelona tests: rivals see it as the second-strongest team
The Formula 1 circus has only just packed up and left the Barcelona paddock, departing with the same level of secrecy that surrounded its arrival for the five days of pre-season testing. Very little is known about what truly happened on track, about the internal feelings within the teams, or about the tensions and expectations building up ahead of the new season. What has filtered out so far are only a handful of lap times, unofficial in nature, along with a few scattered details gathered by fans and journalists positioned close to the circuit.
Among those numbers, one lap time stands out in particular: the 1:16.594 set by Lewis Hamilton, recorded right at the very end of the available running. A late effort that immediately caught attention within the paddock and among observers following the tests from afar.
That single detail alone is enough to confirm the positive impressions rivals have formed about the Ferrari SF-26. According to what has been reported by The Race, several influential figures within the paddock currently consider Ferrari to be the second-strongest team, trailing only Mercedes in the overall competitive order. It is a notable assessment, especially considering how guarded teams usually are when it comes to revealing their true level during winter testing.
Other teams were particularly impressed by the consistency and solidity of Ferrari’s performance. On the days the Scuderia was on track, there were no significant issues or interruptions, not even when running conditions became more challenging due to rain. The SF-26 completed its programme smoothly, reinforcing the impression of a well-prepared and reliable package at this early stage.
The power unit also received generally positive feedback. While it is not yet considered to be on the same level as Mercedes’ engine, it is viewed as superior to the Audi, Honda and Red Bull power units in terms of overall performance. This places Ferrari in a promising position as development continues.
Taking into account that the car heading to Melbourne will feature further updates and refinements, the outlook for Ferrari appears increasingly encouraging. As a result, the early build-up to the 2026 season feels far less bitter than many might have expected just a few months ago.
The early indicators from the Barcelona shakedown therefore suggest that Ferrari has successfully navigated the initial hurdles of the 2026 regulatory reset, positioning the SF-26 as a formidable contender right out of the box. By combining high-mileage reliability with a competitive unofficial pace—highlighted by Lewis Hamilton’s last-minute flyer—the Scuderia has effectively put the rest of the grid on notice. While the true hierarchy will only be confirmed under the lights in Bahrain and the streets of Albert Park, Ferrari’s current standing as the “second force” provides a vital boost in confidence for a team looking to challenge the Mercedes dominance in this new technical era.
Ferrari’s performance in Barcelona has exceeded rival expectations, with the SF-26 showing a level of consistency and power that places it at the sharp end of the grid as the 2026 season approaches.
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