Mercedes are reluctant to let the FIA approve Ferrari’s test proposal for F1’s April break

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Ferrari have sent the FIA a proposal to stage a joint in-season test at Monza during the gap in the 2026 season from the cancellation of F1’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The F1 paddock is set to have a one-month break after this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, before reconvening for the Miami GP on May 1-3. F1 has cancelled the Bahrain GP and Saudi Arabian GP, which were initially set to be held in April, amid the situation in the Middle East.

F1 explored replacing the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but it decided against finding an alternative venue and left a five-week break in the 2026 F1 calendar on top of the four-week summer break. So, Ferrari have suggested that F1 should hold a joint in-season test instead.

Ferrari have asked the FIA to lift the ban on in-season F1 tests, as they believe the five-week break now offers an ideal chance to investigate ways to better manage energy recovery with the 2026 cars. The new regulations have put a lot of focus on energy management this year.

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Mercedes do not want the FIA to accept Ferrari’s request for a joint in-season test at Monza

But according to Nextgen-Auto, Ferrari face opposition from their rival F1 teams who do not share their desire for a joint in-season test, which the Scuderia have also suggested F1 holds at Monza. The FIA is expected to rule on allowing any in-season F1 tests in the coming days.

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Ferrari feel a joint test at Monza can let all 11 F1 teams prepare for the energy management challenges they are all likely to expect at the Italian GP on September 4-6. But Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes and Williams are ‘reluctant’ to let the FIA approve any tests this season.

F1 cancelling the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia does not affect the cost cap, and the 11 teams have the funds to hold an in-season test without those races taking place. Yet Ferrari face opposition from teams who are performing (Mercedes) and struggling (Aston Martin).

Ferrari can still arrange a filming day at Monza should the FIA reject their proposal to hold a joint in-season test in the five-week break. But the Scuderia would be limited to 200km per day of on-track running, while an official joint test would allow all teams unlimited mileage.

Mercedes have enjoyed a dominant start to the 2026 F1 regulations era, but they have seen Ferrari emerge as their nearest rival. And, arguably, Mercedes’ energy management is their biggest advantage this season, as their engine seems less prone to requiring super clipping.

Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have so far been unable to maintain fights with Mercedes rivals George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who are able to pull away in the later stages of their stints as the W17 is also kinder on Pirelli’s 2026 tyres than the SF-26.

Mercedes thus seem loath to let the FIA approve Ferrari’s request – even for a joint test – as the extra track time – especially at a circuit like Monza, which will require a lot more energy management – could help their rivals bridge their early deficit and start fighting for the title.