Overview
- Ferrari completed a permitted filming day at the Madring on Thursday, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sharing the SF-26 and covering the maximum 200 kilometres allowed.
- Organisers described the run as a successful operational rehearsal that tested asphalt, kerbs, run-off areas, safety procedures and marshal coordination but noted grandstands and paddock facilities still need finishing before FIA homologation.
- Reports claimed the circuit promoter may have covered Ferrari’s costs for the session, which would raise questions under Formula 1’s budget cap rules, and both Ferrari and Madring have issued denials of promoter-funded support.
- The competitive value of the outing is limited because teams had to use Pirelli demonstration tyres and stay within the 200km filming-day cap, yet on-track running still gives Ferrari useful data on braking points and racing lines.
- Next steps to watch are the FIA’s final homologation inspections, any formal review of funding under cost-cap rules, and how rival teams respond before the Madring hosts the Spanish Grand Prix on September 11–13.