Charles Leclerc, the star driver for Ferrari, has confirmed that the team's SF-26 shakedown test in Fiorano went smoothly without any major issues. The highly anticipated event took place on Friday morning, marking the unveiling of Ferrari's 2026 car under the new F1 power unit regulations. The atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly awaited the reveal, with many arriving at the track hours early. Despite the damp conditions, the excitement was palpable.
Leclerc, who took the wheel after Lewis Hamilton, expressed his enthusiasm for the annual tradition, emphasizing the primary goal of ensuring everything functions as intended. He shared, 'It's a day I look forward to every year, but the focus is on verifying that all systems are operational and there are no significant problems, which we successfully accomplished today.'
However, Leclerc was cautious about performance assessments, citing the challenging weather conditions, including fog and a wet track. He acknowledged that these circumstances weren't ideal for a car's initial test, yet he remained excited about the process. The driver highlighted the extensive discussions and behind-the-scenes efforts that led to this moment, emphasizing the significance of the car's first track run and the real-time sensor data collection.
The event at Fiorano, a hub of Ferrari fans, added to the special atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for Leclerc and the entire Ferrari team.
