Ferrari set to test new SF-26 in Barcelona next week
Scuderia Ferrari will begin testing their new car at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday, January 27, GPblog has learned.
The Italian team will take part in a three-day closed-door shakedown, running from Tuesday through Thursday next week.
This follows Ferrari’s recent unveiling of their 2026 challenger – the SF-26 – which Lewis Hamilton will pilot in his debut season with the team.
Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls, and Alpine will already be on track on Monday, getting a head start at the Montmelo circuit.
## Ferrari looking to bounce back after difficult season
Team Principal Fred Vasseur has made it clear that the team’s main priority now is understanding the SF-26 before the season opener in Melbourne.
Ferrari struggled throughout 2025, failing to win any of the 24 Grand Prix races.
Their lone bright spot came during the Sprint race in China, where Hamilton claimed first place at Shanghai.
The British driver hasn’t shied away from acknowledging the huge challenge ahead as the team navigates the new regulations.
Despite this, Hamilton seems excited about helping develop the new car. He hopes his input will help create a clear path toward better results.
Charles Leclerc shares his teammate’s outlook, calling the upcoming regulation changes both “complex and fascinating.” He noted that drivers have had to prepare more intensively than usual for the coming season.
## Stay updated with the latest F1 news
As the 2026 season approaches, our Paddock Update is your go-to source for all the latest developments.
Follow and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Spotify to keep up with everything happening ahead of the first on-track action under Formula 1’s new regulations.
Check out the latest episode of our Paddock Update here
