Finally, is this Ferrari’s year?
If you followed the 2026 Bahrain pre-season testing, the answer might very well be yes. The 2026 Formula One (F1) season presents a new opportunity for every team following a major regulatory overhaul. Whenever the regulations change, it resets the competitive order and offers a fresh start.
So, how well has Ferrari adapted to the new rules? What have we learned about the SF-26 from pre-season testing? And how do both drivers compare heading into the season?
This preview covers everything you need to know before the 2026 F1 season begins.
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Ferrari 2025 Season Recap: Hamilton’s Difficult Debut
The 2025 season marked a new beginning for Ferrari with the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. There was optimism and renewed hope within the Maranello-based outfit.
However, the season did not unfold as expected. Hamilton struggled to adapt to the car. While he managed to win a Sprint race in China, both Ferrari drivers were later disqualified from the main Grand Prix. It turned into one of the toughest seasons of Hamilton’s career, as he failed to secure a single podium finish.
Ferrari finished fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 398 points, a step down from their second-place finish in 2024. Charles Leclerc delivered the team’s strongest results, contributing the majority of the points and securing multiple podiums.
The SF-25 suffered from inconsistency and setup difficulties throughout the year and lacked the pace to consistently challenge its rivals. Reliability concerns, aerodynamic inefficiencies, and occasional strategic errors compounded Ferrari’s struggles. Relative to expectations, many considered Ferrari the most disappointing top team of the 2025 season.
Ferrari 2026 Updates: Vasseur Extension & Technical Restructure
Following speculation about his future, team principal Fred Vasseur had his contract renewed. Ferrari will continue with its driver pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc for 2026.
The team has also restructured parts of its technical department, creating a new “Head of Car” role, a move that signals a more focused and streamlined development approach ahead of the new regulatory era.
Ferrari SF-26 Technical Analysis Under 2026 F1 Regulations
Like all 2026 challengers, the SF-26 has been built to comply with the new regulations, which introduce radically revised aerodynamics, active aero systems, and updated hybrid power unit integration. The car stood out during pre-season testing.
One of the most notable aerodynamic features was its 180-degree rotating rear wing in low-drag mode. This system appears capable of delivering a significant straight-line speed advantage. Its complexity could make it difficult for rivals to replicate quickly.
Another intriguing component spotted in Bahrain was a small wing or flap located directly ahead of the exhaust outlet, reportedly referred to as FTM (Flick Tail Mode). This element interacts with exhaust gases, using the hot airflow to enhance diffuser performance and rear aerodynamic efficiency.
The concept helps energize airflow into the diffuser, improving downforce in critical areas. It may also influence how exhaust energy integrates with the rear aero platform during cornering and acceleration. The idea is reminiscent of the classic “blown diffuser” concept, adapted for modern regulations and active aero surfaces.
Ferrari showed promising pace during testing. Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap of the Bahrain test with a 1:31.992, nearly 0.9 seconds quicker than the next fastest driver on the final day.
The team completed significant mileage, prioritizing long runs and setup work before switching to performance simulations. The SF-26 experienced no major reliability issues during testing and appeared to adapt well to the new Shell fuel compounds.
Leclerc vs Hamilton: Ferrari’s 2026 Driver Battle
Charles Leclerc had the stronger 2025 season, scoring seven podiums and 242 points to finish fifth in the Drivers’ Championship. Hamilton accumulated 156 points and finished sixth.
Leclerc was Ferrari’s performance leader last year, extracting consistent results from an inconsistent package and delivering the bulk of the team’s points.
In pre-season testing, Hamilton’s best lap time was 1.4 seconds slower than Leclerc’s, though direct comparisons are difficult due to varying run plans and fuel loads. Leclerc completed more laps overall and handled several full-day test programmes during the final session.
Testing data suggests Ferrari leaned more heavily on Leclerc for development and performance-focused runs, while Hamilton’s sessions combined evaluation work with longer race simulations.
Leclerc’s primary strength lies in extracting maximum performance over a single lap, as demonstrated by his benchmark testing time. He also maintains a strong race pace when the car balance suits his driving style. However, he can struggle when rear instability becomes pronounced, particularly in marginal setup windows.
Hamilton’s greatest asset remains his championship-winning experience. His tyre management over long stints and under high degradation conditions is among the best on the grid. He is known for smooth and balanced mid-corner inputs, a trait that could prove valuable under the new aerodynamic regulations.
While his peak testing lap times were slower than Leclerc’s, testing programmes rarely reflect true performance. The bigger question will be whether he can fully adapt to Ferrari’s operating style in his second season with the team.
The 2026 Formula One season begins on March 8 at Albert Park in Australia. Only then will we discover whether this truly is Ferrari’s year.
