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Ferrari’s 2026 Tyre Test Offers First Glimpse of Future Formula 1 Cars

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
February 6, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Ferrari’s 2026 Tyre Test Offers First Glimpse of Future Formula 1 Cars

Ferrari’s participation in this week’s Pirelli 2026 tyre test has not only been fascinating from a driver perspective—particularly with Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated first run in the SF-24—but it has also provided early insights into the technical direction of the next-generation Formula 1 cars.

The spotlight on this test has been higher than usual due to Hamilton’s presence, but from an engineering standpoint, the most crucial takeaway is the adaptation of a modern car to the expected downforce levels of 2026.

A Radical Shift in Car Performance Simulation

Ferrari’s SF-24 ran with an unconventional wing setup, tailored to mimic the reduced downforce of the upcoming regulation changes. The wing selection was dramatically different from what is typically used at Barcelona, offering the most realistic snapshot yet of how the 2026 cars might behave on track.

Prior to this, prototype 2026 tyre testing had only been conducted using older machinery. Aston Martin ran a modified 2022 car at Barcelona last September, while McLaren and Alpine have been using previous-generation cars for wet tyre evaluations. This week’s Ferrari test, however, marks the most current adaptation for Pirelli’s new slick compounds.

How Ferrari Adjusted Its SF-24 for 2026 Simulations

Under FIA regulations, teams are permitted to modify their current cars to better replicate the downforce and speed profiles expected in 2026. This includes:

  • Adjustments to the suspension to accommodate new tyre dimensions.
  • Aerodynamic modifications to simulate the 20% downforce reduction expected under the new rules.

Ferrari’s wing setup was particularly notable, as the rear wing resembled configurations typically used at Monza, while the front wing was similar to the one used in Las Vegas—both low-downforce circuits. These choices underline the extent of the aerodynamic shift that F1 cars will undergo in two years.

Lap Time Comparisons: A Sneak Peek at 2026 Pace

Lap times during testing offer some context, even if direct comparisons are unreliable due to varying conditions.

  • Lando Norris set the fastest lap of the test with a 1m15.21s.
  • Hamilton’s best time of 1m15.93s pales in comparison to Charles Leclerc’s 2024 Spanish Grand Prix qualifying time of 1m11.731s.

While this suggests a significant drop in speed, testing conditions and fuel loads mean it is not a definitive indicator of future performance. Additionally, F1’s 2026 regulations will introduce active aerodynamics, which will allow cars to run low-drag configurations on straights and high-downforce settings in corners, ultimately impacting final lap times.

2026 Performance Expectations

The FIA has worked extensively to fine-tune the upcoming regulations, ensuring that the 2026 cars remain competitive despite initial concerns that they could be up to two seconds slower per lap.

Nikolas Tombazis, FIA’s head of single-seater matters, noted the improvements made to the regulation package since the first draft in June 2023.

“There has been an increase in performance by about 50 points of downforce,” he explained. “This has brought the performance from what maybe was minus 40% compared to current cars, to around minus 15%. The resulting lap time of the cars is very close to current cars.”

2026 Tyre Development Continues

Pirelli’s ongoing tests are crucial in refining the tyres for the new regulations. This week’s evaluations focused on the latest constructions of the C1, C2, and C3 compounds.

Visually, the new tyre specifications are also becoming clearer. While the 18-inch rim size remains unchanged, the front tyres will be 25mm narrower and the rear tyres will shrink by 30mm. Additionally, their diameter will be reduced from the current 720mm to approximately 705-710mm.

A Glimpse into the Future of F1

With more testing scheduled, including Alpine’s Jerez run next week and further evaluations in Bahrain, teams and fans alike are beginning to see the shape of F1’s next era. Ferrari’s adaptation of its 2024 challenger for this test offers the best look yet at the 2026 cars—an evolution that promises both aerodynamic efficiency and a significant shift in how the sport’s fastest machines will perform on track.

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