Ferrari’s Shocking Shakedown: What Went Wrong with the SF-26?
In an electrifying twist during the unveiling of Ferrari’s latest 2026 Formula 1 contender, the SF-26, chaos erupted on the hallowed grounds of the Fiorano circuit. Fans and media alike were left gasping as Lewis Hamilton, behind the wheel, found himself stranded on the track during its much-anticipated shakedown. This unexpected halt sent shockwaves through the online community, igniting speculation and concern among the Tifosi, who had flocked to witness this monumental moment.
Hamilton, taking the SF-26 for its inaugural laps shortly after its grand reveal, encountered an unusual situation that left observers questioning the car’s reliability. Although the testing event was not broadcast by Ferrari, the visibility from public roads ensured that countless fans captured the drama unfolding. Footage quickly surfaced, showing Hamilton’s car coming to a standstill on the short straight adjacent to the garage. In one clip, he managed to move just a few meters before stopping again, while another angle depicted the car halted in an awkward position, seemingly caught off guard just before the pit entry.
The confusion arose from the different angles capturing the same sequence, leading many to wonder if there was a serious malfunction at play. However, after a single installation lap, Hamilton completed a two-lap run—one behind a camera car and another solo—culminating in a practice start before he was towed back to the garage.
In a bid to quell the rising tide of speculation, a Ferrari spokesperson stepped in to clarify the situation. They confirmed to The Race that there were “no issues” with the vehicle. Instead, the stoppage was a result of strict regulations governing the shakedown, which Ferrari categorized as a “demonstration event.” This limit restricts the team to just 15 kilometers of running, a stark contrast to the 200 kilometers allowed during a full filming day or promotional event.
To put this into perspective, 15 kilometers equates to roughly five laps at Fiorano. With Charles Leclerc poised to take the wheel soon after Hamilton, Ferrari was compelled to meticulously monitor their mileage to avoid transgressing the mandated limits.
As the dust settles on this dramatic episode, one thing is clear: the road ahead for Ferrari and its SF-26 promises to be anything but dull. With the world watching, the Scuderia must ensure that their preparations stay on track and that their new machine can withstand the scrutiny of both the track and the Tifosi’s fervent expectations. The 2026 season is shaping up to be a thrilling saga of ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of glory in the world of Formula 1.







