Leclerc delivers upbeat verdict after Ferrari SF-26 shakedown in Barcelona

16:22, 27 Jan

Updated: 18:00, 27 Jan

bySamson Ero

Charles Leclerc exuded optimism after taking the Scuderia Ferrari SF-26 out for its first shakedown of the 2026 season at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

"It was nice to be back in the car.”

- Charles Leclerc

The Monegasque driver, who hit the track during the morning session of ongoing testing on Tuesday, shared his thoughts about being back behind the wheel.

"It was nice to be back in the car. Back in a very, very all-new car and very different from what we have been driving so far,” Leclerc said via F1.

Asked about the overall performance of the SF-26, Leclerc explained that the team’s initial focus was on understanding the workings of its new machinery, rather than outright performance.

Charles Leclerc - Photo: Race Pictures

“For now, it’s all about trying to understand if everything is working properly, which it kind of did. The conditions weren’t ideal because it rained a little this morning, but we went through our programme anyway, as we are not focused on performance whatsoever,” he added.

Leclerc concluded his assessment on a positive note, highlighting how the team ran through its programme carefully despite the challenging conditions.

"We’re more focused on looking at all the systems that are new on this car and seeing if everything works as it should. It did, so that’s a positive. Then we will go through our programme slowly."

Charles Leclerc driving the SF-26 - Photo: Race Pictures

Leclerc hit the track at the Circuit de Barcelona alongside Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen. The 28-year-old ran in both dry and wet conditions, recording a best lap time of around 1:20.0, about eight-tenths off Verstappen’s reported time.

Hamilton takes the wheel of the SF-26

While Leclerc ran Ferrari’s morning testing programme, teammate Lewis Hamilton took over for the afternoon session.

The seven-time world champion completed several installation laps before returning to the pit lane.

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