During day 1 afternoon testing in Bahrain, Hamilton’s SF-26 stayed in the garage for a long time: reasons, results, and Ferrari’s work
The first day of the final pre-season testing session in Bahrain has concluded, with Charles Leclerc completing Ferrari’s planned program in the morning and Lewis Hamilton hitting the track in the afternoon. The seven-time world champion, however, spent a long time in the garage during the afternoon session, and here’s why.
Ferrari line-up and updates on the SF-26
Today’s Ferrari line-up initially included only Charles Leclerc on track. However, the Maranello team introduced updates on the SF-26, prompting the team to also put Lewis Hamilton on track to test the feedback from both drivers. The changes appear to have had positive results, and here is the work carried out by Ferrari in the afternoon that explains why Hamilton remained stationary during day 1 of Bahrain testing.
The reason for Lewis Hamilton’s stop and total laps for Ferrari
Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton’s afternoon unfolded differently than expected. After a few attempts in which the British driver set his best lap of the day at 1:34.299, around 15:10 the Britons SF-26 stayed in the garage for an extended period. For roughly an hour, the Modena-based car remained in the Ferrari box, with the team covering the vehicle with tarps to conceal the work being done.
Initially, some suspected a power unit issue. However, Sky Sports F1 later reported that the stoppage was due to changes at the rear of the SF-26. Sky Sport F1 Italy confirmed that Ferrari experienced no technical problems and that Hamilton’s stop was purely precautionary.
Checks, sensor replacements, and prototype tire work
Italian journalist Giuliano Duchessa confirmed that Lewis Hamilton remained in the garage for a detailed inspection of certain components and the replacement of malfunctioning sensors. About an hour before the session ended, the #44 returned to track on prototype tires with a significant amount of flow-viz on the front wing. Additionally, the engine cover used last week was reinstalled, specifically the version with fewer vents, likely to compensate for the drop in afternoon temperatures.
On prototype tires (likely C4), Lewis Hamilton completed a simulated stint demonstrating good consistency and degradation, with laps of 1:38.716, 1:37.716, 1:38.755, 1:38.363, 1:38.640, 1:38.525, 1:39.227, 1:39.249, 1:39.665, 1:39.434, 1:39.659, 1:39.637, and 1:41.525.
Ferrari confirms excellent reliability
In summary, Ferrari confirms excellent reliability. Charles Leclerc completed 70 laps in the morning, while Lewis Hamilton added 44 in the afternoon, for a total of 114 laps for the team. Furthermore, the FIA provided an official statement today regarding the Mercedes power unit situation.
Action resumes tomorrow, with cars on track from 8:00 to 12:00 for the morning session and from 13:00 to 17:00 for the afternoon session.
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