Ferrari’s test data shows an ‘excellent’ traction advantage the SF-26 has over Mercedes and McLaren

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Ferrari caught the attention of many in the paddock with the SF-26 during pre-season testing, and they may have found the upper hand for the 2026 season.

The Maranello outfit have been working tirelessly behind the scenes on the new regulations after a winless 2025 season. Ferrari brought numerous technical innovations to pre-season testing, many of which were quite striking.

The most obvious one was a radical new rear wing concept, with the flap spinning open backwards rather than just simply upwards. Will Buxton thinks Ferrari found a ‘silver bullet’, as many teams will find it difficult to replicate themselves.

It gives them extra downforce entering the corners and reduces drag. The team have also made other gains, as Ferrari significantly improved tyre wear with an extra exhaust flap in Bahrain.

Practice starts were also eye-catching, as the SF-26 rocketed off the grid several times and into the lead at the first corner from as far back as the fifth row. Ferrari have made several steps forward in testing, and they may have another advantage.

Ferrari’s test data shows the SF-26 has ‘excellent traction’ over Mercedes and McLaren

A report from Formula Tecnica has taken a look at Ferrari’s data from the Bahrain tests and discovered they have found a huge advantage in the corners.

The SF-26 has ‘excellent traction’ in the low-speed corners, as well as ‘a good level of mechanical grip’, which is currently ‘superior’ to what Mercedes and McLaren can produce.

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As a result, drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton can reach full throttle ‘several meters’ ahead of their rivals. For example, at turn one, Leclerc was on the gas four to five meters ahead of his opponents, and seven meters earlier at turn 10.

The traction in the SF-26 is ‘truly excellent’, which could be a huge advantage for the Maranello outfit. But as the report notes, McLaren are ‘on par’ in terms of average acceleration, looking at the numbers from Bahrain.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have regained confidence at Ferrari

Testing was certainly positive for Ferrari as they look to have made huge strides forward ahead of the 2026 season. While Mercedes are still backed as the fastest team, they could be real challengers.

The SF-26 appears more comfortable to drive and handle, as per Leclerc and Hamilton’s request. They did not get on with the SF-25, particularly Hamilton, who failed to score a podium for the first time in a calendar year.

But now, with a more predictable car and with these technical innovations, things are looking up in Maranello. Stefano Domenicali says Leclerc and Hamilton are feeling confident going into 2026.

In fact, it has been said that Leclerc is trying to ‘subdue’ his excitement over the SF-26. Many suspect that he thinks Ferrari have nailed the regulation changes.