Ferrari has successfully completed a filming day at the Monza circuit, utilizing the full 200-kilometre allocation permitted for such activities under Formula 1 regulations. The session, held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, featured Charles Leclerc during the morning hours and Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon, marking Hamilton’s first on-track appearance with the Scuderia since joining the team for the 2026 season.
The team used the opportunity to debut an upgraded package originally developed for the Miami Grand Prix, introducing a raft of technical updates across multiple areas of the SF-26 car. This upgrade represents Ferrari’s continued commitment to performance development during the 2026 campaign, with the Monza filming day serving as a key validation step before potential deployment in official race weekends.
Filming days are a common practice in Formula 1, allowing teams to conduct real-world testing and gather comprehensive data under controlled conditions while adhering to strict limits on track time. By splitting driving duties between Leclerc and Hamilton, Ferrari aimed to maximize efficiency and collect feedback from both drivers across different track conditions and times of day.
Monza, known as the “Temple of Speed,” holds particular significance for Ferrari due to its historical importance in the sport. The circuit has hosted numerous pivotal moments in the team’s legacy, making it a strategic location for development work. The successful completion of this filming day underscores Ferrari’s focus on refining the SF-26 ahead of upcoming races in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
The upgraded package introduced at Monza includes enhancements to aerodynamics, cooling systems, and mechanical grip, though specific technical details were not disclosed in the team’s official communication. Ferrari emphasized that the session was conducted under ideal conditions, with clear weather and optimal track temperatures contributing to productive running throughout the day.
Hamilton’s participation in the afternoon session marked a notable milestone in his integration with the team, providing the seven-time world champion his first opportunity to evaluate the SF-26 with the latest upgrades on a high-speed circuit like Monza. Leclerc, who drove in the morning, continued his ongoing development work with the car as he prepares for his fifth season with Scuderia Ferrari.
As the 2026 season progresses, Ferrari will assess the data gathered from the Monza filming day to determine the next steps for the upgraded package. The team remains focused on closing the performance gap to its rivals, with further updates expected ahead of the next European rounds on the calendar.
For continued coverage of Ferrari’s development program and all Formula 1 updates, readers are encouraged to follow official team channels and trusted motorsport news sources. Share your thoughts on the team’s progress in the comments below.
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