During the first pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Lewis Hamilton recorded the fastest lap in the 2026 Formula 1 shakedown, posting a 1:16.348 on soft Pirelli tyres. Despite this, several teams voiced concerns about the handling characteristics of Ferrari’s new SF-26 car under the 2026 regulations, signaling challenges ahead as the sport transitions to significant technical changes.
Hamilton’s benchmark narrowly beat George Russell’s time of 1:16.445, yet lap times were not a primary focus since teams emphasized reliability and data collection over outright speed. Both Mercedes and Ferrari focused on long runs, with Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc covering extensive mileage alongside tough testing conditions that exposed handling issues.
Testing Mileage Highlights Mercedes and Ferrari’s Commitment
Among all teams, only Mercedes and Ferrari completed over 100 laps each day during the three-day Barcelona testing window, logging cumulative totals of 504 and 438 laps respectively. Haas posted an impressive 191 laps in a single day, outpacing Mercedes’ 183 and Ferrari’s 174 laps on individual testing days, demonstrating a highly intensive early development phase for the field.
Rival Teams Raise Alarms Over SF-26’s Handling Performance
Despite Ferrari’s extensive running, many competing teams expressed concerns regarding the SF-26’s drivability. Craig Slater of Sky Sports relayed that multiple insiders described the car as difficult to manage, which could hinder Ferrari’s performance as the season approaches. The team has reverted to push-rod suspension combined with new aerodynamic and chassis rules, complicating their adaptation process.
“A lot of people are saying the Ferrari looks quite a handful,”
Craig Slater, Sky Sports
“Actually, several individuals from different teams have said that to me, and maybe that’s the downside to that car right now.”
Craig Slater, Sky Sports
Teams expect Bahrain’s upcoming tests from February 11-13 and 18-20 to provide a clearer perspective on whether Ferrari can refine handling and accuracy to remain competitive within the intensified 2026 regulations landscape.
Ferrari’s SF-26 Still in Early Development, True Race Version Yet to Appear
Ferrari’s SF-26 seen in Barcelona appeared to be an initial test mule rather than the fully developed race car, as the Scuderia focused primarily on validating simulation data critical for guiding later upgrades. This conservative approach may extend to withholding their definitive 2026 car design until the start of the season, reflecting the extensive regulatory overhaul affecting engines, aerodynamics, chassis, and tyres simultaneously.
Meanwhile, rival teams have speculated that Ferrari’s chassis includes an S-Duct feature and note the FIA is scrutinizing the aggressive aero package from the Maranello team, indicating potential regulatory challenges or need for adjustments before the racing begins.
Hamilton’s challenges in Barcelona were particularly evident through Turn 10, a notoriously tricky corner where he experienced spins, multiple off-track moments, and persistent oversteer. These handling difficulties highlight the car’s unsettled balance and reinforce the concerns raised by competitors.
What These Findings Mean for the 2026 Formula 1 Season
The early impressions from pre-season testing reflect a tense and uncertain start to the 2026 F1 season for Ferrari, traditionally a championship contender that failed to secure a Grand Prix win in 2025. With the enforcement of sweeping changes to technical regulations, teams like Mercedes and Ferrari are engaged in intense development battles to find the ideal setup and maximize performance.
Hamilton’s ability to extract speed from the new Mercedes car shows promise, but the tight gaps across the field signal a competitive season ahead. Ferrari’s handling woes, if not addressed before Bahrain tests, could translate into a rocky opening to the year, further intensifying pressure on the Scuderia to evolve quickly.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will remain on the winter development phases and upcoming testing at Bahrain, where teams hope to resolve uncertainties and present more race-ready packages. Success in this period is likely to define who emerges as the early favorite for championship contention in this era of dramatic regulatory change.
