Leclerc Confirms 'No Big Problems' After Ferrari SF-26 Shakedown
Ferrari's SF-26 shakedown passed without major issues, quelling reliability fears. Leclerc and Hamilton's track stops were planned to maximize mileage under demo rules.
Charles Leclerc has confirmed that Ferrari encountered "no big problems" during the SF-26 shakedown at Fiorano, alleviating concerns sparked by viral footage of him and Lewis Hamilton stopping on track. The session marked the first public running for Ferrari's 2026 challenger with its new driver lineup.
Why it matters:
With Ferrari entering a new era alongside Lewis Hamilton for the 2026 regulations, early reliability is paramount. The viral video raised immediate red flags for the Tifosi, but confirmation that the stops were strategic rather than mechanical failures provides a calm start to a highly anticipated season.
The details:
- Strategic Stops: The footage showing cars being pushed back to the garage was not a breakdown. Under F1 regulations for demonstration events, teams are limited to just 15km of running. Stopping on track allowed mechanics to push the car back, preserving the valuable mileage allowance for actual driving.
- Driver Feedback: Leclerc noted that while it is too early to judge performance or feeling, the primary objective of checking systems was met. He cited "fog" and a "wet track" as limiting factors for a proper assessment.
- Atmosphere: Despite the weather, the shakedown was a significant moment for the team. Leclerc highlighted the presence of the Tifosi at Fiorano, adding to the excitement of the project's public debut.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to Barcelona for the first official pre-season test of the 2026 season.
- Testing runs from January 26-30, though teams are limited to three days of running.
- Ferrari will skip the opening day, joining McLaren and Aston Martin on the sidelines for Monday's session.
- Williams has opted to miss the entire Barcelona test to focus on the Bahrain sessions later next month.