As the Formula 1 season faces an unexpected halt due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, Ferrari is not sitting idle. The Scuderia has scheduled several track testing sessions to keep its team and cars sharp ahead of the championship’s resumption.
Testing at Mugello: Ferrari in Action
Next Wednesday, Ferrari’s test team will head to Mugello for two days of TPC (Testing of Previous Car) sessions. In this setup, development drivers like Antonio Giovinazzi, Arthur Leclerc, and Antonio Fuoco will be on hand. These runs are designed to allow teams to test older models while avoiding any direct technical advantage over their competitors.
Typically, these tests involve cars that are two years old. However, the 2026 cars have little in common with those that have raced so far. Therefore, it’s permissible to use one-year-old models, and Ferrari will take advantage of this to run the SF-25, last season’s car. This logical decision will help engineers fine-tune certain settings before competition.
Leclerc and Hamilton Take Over at Monza
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
After Mugello, it’s off to Monza! Ferrari will visit the famous Italian track for another testing session scheduled for April 21. This time, the focus will be on capturing promotional footage for media and sponsors. This shoot will showcase the SF-26, this year’s car.
Limited to 200 km with demonstration tires, these tests represent a valuable opportunity to evaluate the work done on energy recovery and aerodynamic developments. Monza, with its long straights and fast corners, is the perfect venue for this.
For this session, Ferrari will call upon its star drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Together, they will continue testing a new rear wing dubbed “Macarena,” which is expected to be integrated into the aerodynamic package for the Miami Grand Prix in early May. A great opportunity to test this new element in a competitive environment.
Private Tests at Fiorano: Optimal Preparation
Alongside the tests at Mugello and Monza, Ferrari has scheduled additional tests at its private circuit in Fiorano on April 9 and 10. This will be a crucial wet tire test, a session originally planned for Bahrain but canceled due to recent events related to the Iran conflict.
These private tests allow engineers to assess tire behavior in wet conditions, preparing for any eventualities in upcoming races. This proactive approach could prove decisive for scoring valuable points as competition resumes.
A Strategy Amid Uncertainties
The current situation poses a real challenge for all teams. With the inability to develop their cars in the simulator during this downtime, Ferrari must maximize every minute spent on track. In short, these tests are essential not only for refining technical settings but also for maintaining a positive team dynamic.
This proactive approach could also significantly impact driver confidence when they return to the circuits. A good outing on track can be a game-changer in the early races after a long break.
An Uncertain Yet Promising Future
While geopolitical events can disrupt the sporting calendar, Ferrari’s commitment to its drivers and staff is unprecedented. By increasing testing sessions and working on innovative aerodynamic elements like the “Macarena” wing, the Scuderia is showing its determination to fight for its place at the top.
This determination is palpable in every aspect of the preparatory work. The insights gained from testing should provide a strategic advantage when the championship restarts, allowing Ferrari to enter the competition with a solid confidence boost.
In Summary
- Ferrari ramps up testing during the F1 forced break.
- The SF-25 will be tested at Mugello with development drivers.
- Promotional tests are planned at Monza with Leclerc and Hamilton.
- All tests aim to refine aerodynamics and energy recovery.
- Additional sessions are scheduled at the private Fiorano circuit.
