Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc successfully conducted Ferrari SF-26 shakedown at the iconic Fiorano test track in Maranello but one video showed new 2026 Formula 1 car stopping on the main straight, sparking widespread speculation.
The test run which unfolded on Friday amid drizzly conditions marked the first on-track running for the Scuderia’s new machine under the radically overhauled 2026 regulations, signaling the dawn of a transformative era in the sport.
Ferrari started the day by revealing image renders of their new challenger before immediately transitioning to track action to validate the vehicle’s reliability ahead of pre-season testing in Barcelona.
The shakedown which was classified as a Demonstration Event, imposed a strict 15km mileage limit—equivalent to just five laps of the 3km Fiorano circuit—to comply with filming day restrictions while allowing essential systems checks.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, set for his second year with Ferrari, was honored with the installation lap, emerging from the garage in his distinctive yellow helmet to the delight of tifosi.
Waving enthusiastically to the fans lining the trackside, Hamilton ran the new Ferrari 2026 F1 car fitted with Pirelli’s full-wet demonstration tires, completing three cautious laps that provided invaluable initial feedback on the car’s handling and active aerodynamics.
However, a dramatic stop by the British driver on the main straight sparked widespread speculation online about potential breakdown concerns for the SF-26.
The stoppage captured in leaked fan footage showed the car grinding to a halt on the main straight, as mechanics rushed out to push back the car to the pits, igniting fervent questions if breakdowns plagued Ferrari’s 2026 preparations.
The Scuderia quickly clarified that the halt was deliberate, part of a calculated plan to maximize the limited promotional mileage while adhering to Formula 1’s stringent rules for non-testing events, with mechanics wheeling the car back to the garage after a simulated practice start.
Ferrari’s homegrown talent and Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc seamlessly took over Ferrari SF-26 shakedown for the final two laps, ensuring the full allocation was utilized.
The Monegasque driver’s input proved crucial, as team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized post-run that reliability was the primary goal, with no issues encountered—a promising sign after Ferrari’s turbulent 2025 campaign.
“I think we postponed as much as we can the demo day to have time to develop the car, but we knew the calendar from the beginning,” Vasseur said.
“It means that it’s a long-term process, that we decided we’ll bring upgrade on the next session, but the most important at the beginning is the reliability.
“The most important is to be able to do mileage and it’s why we are quite happy today because we didn’t have any issue. I think for Barcelona it’s a good step.
“In Barcelona the target will be to get the maximum of information on the car, the maximum of data, and then we’ll start the development from Bahrain onwards.”
Looking ahead, pre-season testing at Circuit de Catalunya from 26-30 January will benchmark the SF-26 against rivals as teams ramp up preparations for the upcoming season.
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