F1: Ferrari is not expected to take part in the first day of testing in Bercelona, here's the schedule

The Formula 1 version 2026 is about to take to the track, but without the big media spectacle to which fans are accustomed. The first official run of the new generation of single-seaters, organized behind closed doors at the Circuit de Barcelona, will take place in an almost clandestine atmosphere. No live broadcasts, no press access, and strictly supervised communication: the teams have opted for maximum caution for the start of a totally new technical era. Some rumors quickly circulated, suggesting a possible absence of Scuderia Ferrari on the first day of testing. Put in context, however, there's nothing alarming about this information.

A strict but flexible regulatory framework

The Barcelona test will run from Monday January 26 to Friday January 30, but each team will only be able to use a maximum of three driving days. Participation on the first day is therefore by no means compulsory, and Ferrari has never envisaged the test as a mere showcase. Like all the other teams, Scuderia Ferrari has focused on optimizing its track time, since the reliability of the new single-seaters and the new 2026 engines is the top priority. The decision not to run on Monday was therefore primarily a strategic one, and not due to any technical delays.

Fiorano before Barcelona

Even before heading for Catalonia, Ferrari officially unveils its new SF-26 on Friday, January 23 in Maranello, followed by a shakedown on the private Fiorano circuit. This first outing, deliberately limited to a few kilometers, will be used solely to check the correct operation of essential systems: engine, gearbox, electronics and hydraulics. Fiorano is a key step, but in no way replaces the in-depth work planned for Barcelona. The main aim is to check that everything is working properly, before embarking on a more intensive testing program.

Ferrari on track from Tuesday

According to reports from Italy, Ferrari will begin testing in Catalonia on Tuesday January 27, as will McLaren. The team will then have three consecutive days, until Thursday evening, to make full use of its regulatory quota. The two regular drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, will share the wheel of the SF-26, alternating half-days. The Monegasque will be the first to take to the track on Tuesday morning, before handing over to his teammate in the afternoon. This rotation will continue over the three days in order to guarantee balanced running time and optimal data collection. It should also be noted that Ferrari has opted for a tighter organization in Barcelona, with a single race engineer supervising both drivers, given that Hamilton's new engineer still to be announced.

No search for performance

In Barcelona, there will be no question of lap times or hierarchies. Lap times will remain confidential and unrepresentative, especially as weather conditions and the tires used will limit any meaningful comparison. The main objective will be to confirm that the technical choices made at Maranello are heading in the right direction. Chassis, powertrain, steering wheelOn-track procedures and overall reliability will be at the heart of these three crucial days, which will serve as the basis for the development of the future "B" version of the SF-26, due for official testing in Bahrain.