F1: Scuderia Ferrari to make further changes before the Australian Grand Prix - "it's a plane".

At Maranello, optimism remains measured. But after the first week of 2026 winter testing in Bahrain, one thing is becoming clear: the SF-26 is not yet in its final form... and yet it's already impressing. Ferrari hinted at its potential during the private shakedown in Barcelona. Since then, the red car has gone one step further.

Perfect reliability

The Scuderia Ferrari completed a particularly solid first week of testing:

• 409 laps for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
• 1107 laps for the Ferrari engine (with Haas and Cadillac)
• No engine changes since Barcelona
• No reliability problems

Against a backdrop of regulatory revolution in the motor and energy sectors Formula 1Ferrari is quite simply the only team not to have replaced its power unit. An extremely strong signal at a time when reliability was worrying the majority of the paddock.

A car already transformed in Bahrain

Contrary to appearances, the SF-26 seen in Barcelona was only an initial version. During the three days of testing in Sakhir, Ferrari has already introduced several major evolutions:

• new front spoiler
• new rear diffuser
• new floor

In the paddock, some engineers no longer hesitate to describe the car as an "airplane", such is the change in behavior, particularly in fast transitions and rear stability. Technical analyst Sam Collins has also observed a great deal of work around the diffuser and the cut-outs in front of the rear wheels, aimed at improving airflow and downforce.

But Ferrari is still hiding its real car

And best of all... this is just the beginning. Ferrari already tested new parts earlier this week as part of a planned evolution program, and further elements will arrive during the second test session in Bahrain. Sporting director Diego Ioverno clearly confirmed:

"We're only at the beginning, the first race won't set the hierarchy. It will be a season of development battles."

In other words, the current SF-26 is still not the Australian version.

Hamilton very involved in development

For the first time, Lewis Hamilton is directly involved in the development of a Ferrari. The Briton is working with the engineers on chassis balance, braking management, energy recovery and aerodynamic adaptation to his driving style. His initial difficulties in Bahrain were mainly due to the extreme track temperatures, but they also helped to orientate the car's set-up. Ferrari is clearly looking for a single-seater adapted to its two drivers, and not the other way round, as has sometimes been the case in recent years.

SF-26 still far from its full potential

Fred Vasseur had announced that the real car would gradually appear before Melbourne. The Scuderia is still planning a major package for the second test session, further aerodynamic adjustments before the Australian GP and continued development at the start of the season. In the paddock, some competitors are already starting to keep a close eye on the SF-26. For if the current version is already fast... the final version could be much faster. Ferrari probably hasn't shown its hand yet. And with the 2026 season shaping up to be a development war, the Scuderia seems determined to hit the ground running in Melbourne.

Fresh out the garage 💨 n' straight back on track! pic.twitter.com/xwF9TcoLdY

- Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 13, 2026