Whilst nothing can be taken for granted in pre-season, one aspect of F1 that is almost impossible to hide – reliability. In the upcoming six days of Bahrain testing, the first challenge for teams will be to accumulate as many laps as possible.<\/p>\n
Of course, this can only be accomplished with a reliable car. Given that the 2026 regulations represent such a radical change, especially on the engine side, there are huge question marks before the first sessions in Bahrain tomorrow.<\/p>\n
Inevitably, some teams are more confident than others. According to the latest reports, Ferrari<\/a> are making a declaration of intent with a big decision for this week’s tests.<\/p>\n Engines have been the biggest talking point during the winter break. Generally speaking, Mercedes<\/a> (more specifically, their controversial engine compression ratio solution) have dominated pre-season coverage.<\/p>\n The Silver Arrows are widely seen as favourites to set the standard and produce the best engine. This was true even when the 2026 regulations were being discussed in early 2025, and this consensus has only spread in recent months.<\/p>\n Mercedes completed more laps than anyone else in the Barcelona shakedown, reinforcing confidence in their power unit’s reliability. Even assuming the Mercedes’ compression ratio trick is addressed<\/a>, the German engine’s overall competitiveness should remain intact.<\/p>\n In this context, the question is which other engine suppliers are capable of surprising Mercedes and challenging them.<\/p>\n Based on experience and infrastructure, Ferrari<\/a> and Honda are the two most likely candidates. However, delays in Honda’s decision to commit towards the 2026 regulations have created lingering doubts in their power unit.<\/p>\n Aston Martin’s<\/a> late arrival to the Barcelona shakedown also means there is little evidence about the Japanese manufacturer’s current performance level. At Ferrari, meanwhile, there are some tentatively positive indications coming to the forefront.<\/p>\n During the Barcelona shakedown, the Maranello outfit managed an impressive 440 laps – only Mercedes surpassed this total. Across all three days of running, Ferrari avoided any major issues and went through a vigorous programme.<\/p>\n Ferrari’s customer teams, Haas in particular, also saw solid reliability from the Italian power unit. Although engine modes and various other factors from Barcelona are unknown, these data points are encouraging.<\/p>\n By extension, Ferrari themselves appear to be taking confidence from what the data is revealing so far. As reported by it.motorsport.com<\/a>, the Scuderia plan to use the same power unit from Barcelona at this week’s test in Bahrain.<\/p>\n In addition, Vasseur’s team want to use this same engine throughout the 6 days in Bahrain. This is a bold choice which, in more ways than one, sends a clear message heading into the 2026 season. (cont. on next page)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There is obviously no guarantee that Ferrari can complete an additional six days of running with the same engine from Barcelona.<\/p>\n Even a reliable engine could experience hiccups after such extensive track time. Should the Scuderia experience a significant problem, they would still need to use another engine – regardless of their audacious approach.<\/p>\n Still, there are many reasons why Ferrari have reason to pursue this approach. From a financial perspective, using just one power unit could help cut costs – at a time when the budget cap restricts spending.<\/p>\n This means that a problem-free test in Bahrain (on the engine side) could save vital funds that can be allocated to development on upgrades and new components. Whilst this target is ambitious, it speaks to Ferrari’s conviction in their development if they believe it is achievable.<\/p>\n Something that could benefit Ferrari is potentially running a lower engine mode to help preserve the SF-26’s power unit<\/a>. As a result, extending this engine’s lifespan is something they can control over the coming days.<\/p>\n Team principal Fred Vasseur’s engine department have also employed some unorthodox solutions specifically to improve reliability.<\/p>\n Though initially disputed, Ferrari’s unique choice to use steel alloy for their 2026 engine cylinders could be transformative when all is said and done.<\/p>\n Of course, it would be premature for the team to start dreaming of six days of running without any complications. Whether there are issues with the power unit, hydraulics, cooling, geometry or anything else, Ferrari will be prepared.<\/p>\nFerrari confident in 2026 power unit<\/h2>\n
Ferrari try to find marginal gains<\/h4>\n
The question mark<\/h4>\n