Leclerc outlines intense Ferrari work schedule before Bahrain test

Charles Leclerc is heading straight to Maranello for a week of intensive analysis and simulator work following the Barcelona pre-season test, with the goal of perfecting the team's virtual tools before the final test in Bahrain.

Why it matters:

Pre-season testing is as much about gathering real-world car data as it is about validating and refining the team's simulation software. Leclerc's immediate deep dive into correlation work—comparing the real SF-26's feel to the simulator model—is critical for ensuring that development decisions made back at the factory during the season are based on accurate digital references. This process directly impacts in-season performance and upgrade efficiency.

The details:

• After completing his running in Barcelona on Friday morning, Leclerc confirmed his schedule involves a "full week in Maranello" focused on analyzing the test data and preparing for the Bahrain test.
• The driver highlighted simulator correlation as the "most important part" of the upcoming work. The team will now work to align the simulator's behavior with the actual on-track sensations experienced in Barcelona.
• Establishing this accurate virtual baseline is essential for effectively using the simulator to prepare for the specific conditions of the Bahrain International Circuit, which hosts the final test from February 11-13 and the season-opening Grand Prix.
• The work week follows a promising test for Ferrari, where teammate Lewis Hamilton set the fastest overall time of the three-day session on Friday afternoon.

What's next:

The immediate focus is the second and final pre-season test in Bahrain, where all ten teams will run for three days on the track that will host the first race. The work done by Leclerc and the engineering team in Maranello this week aims to ensure Ferrari arrives in Sakhir with a fully calibrated simulator, allowing them to maximize every track session and finalize their package for the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.