Ferrari skips first day of testing in Barcelona to adjust car at factory

Published on January 25, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
The Ferrari SF-24 parked in the garage of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during preseason, with mechanics working around it.

Ferrari skips the first day of testing in Barcelona to adjust the car at the factory

The Italian team makes an unusual decision by canceling its participation in the initial testing session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Instead of running, the team channels its resources into perfecting the monocoque within its facilities in Maranello. 🏎️

A different approach to prepare for the season

While rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes take their cars to the track, Ferrari chooses an opposite path. The philosophy is based on ensuring that the SF-24 hits the asphalt with a superior level of preparation, after processing simulator data and verifying new components. This method seeks to make the most of the limited testing time.

Key details of the strategy:
  • Drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will not complete any laps during Monday's session.
  • The team will concentrate all its activity on the remaining two days of testing.
  • The goal is to present the car in a fully optimized state.
"Sometimes it's faster not to move," reflects the mentality of the Italian team while its rivals accumulate kilometers.

Interpretations and consequences in the paddock

The absence generates intense debate among experts. Some interpret the measure as a possible technical delay, while others defend it as a meticulous calculation. In a season with stable technical regulations, every detail of development acquires extreme relevance. 🔍

Factors influencing the decision:
  • The stable regulations for this season increase the value of every improvement.
  • All teams seek to extract maximum performance from their evolutions.
  • Ferrari trusts that preparing the car at the factory will yield better long-term results.

The path to the first Grand Prix

This maneuver places Ferrari under special scrutiny, increasing expectation about the real performance of the SF-24. The team plans to prove that its strategy of prioritizing factory work over initial kilometers is the right one when it finally unleashes its potential on track. The preseason already has its first episode starring the absence. 🏁