Ferrari Eyes Testing Advantage During Season Break to Chase Mercedes

Ferrari is planning to capitalize on the allocated filming days during the upcoming break as part of their strategic push to narrow the performance gap with Mercedes. The Scuderia will utilize both permitted test sessions to work on closing the deficit to their championship rivals.

With the championship battle in full swing, Ferrari is reportedly preparing to make strategic use of the two allotted filming days available during the coming break. The Italian outfit is looking at this opportunity as a crucial chance to conduct valuable testing and development work aimed at reducing Mercedes' current advantage.

By deploying both permitted filming days, Ferrari hopes to gain additional track time that could prove instrumental in their efforts to bridge the performance gap separating them from their dominant rivals. This tactical approach underscores the team's determination to maximize every available resource within the regulations as they push to close the deficit to Mercedes.

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sporting Regulations

Art. B11.6.1

Art. B11.7.1

technical Regulations

Art. 85

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Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article B11.6.1

FIA Source

PE - Competitor Permissions

Chapter: B11.6

In Simple Terms

Each F1 team is allowed to do two practice sessions with their current car without it counting toward their track usage limits (TCC). This gives teams extra opportunities to test and develop their car during the season.

Teams get exactly 2 permitted practice sessions with their current car
These sessions do not count against track usage restrictions (TCC)
Only applies when using a Current Car (not older specification cars)
Provides additional testing opportunities beyond standard allocations

Official FIA Text

Each Competitor will be permitted to carry out two (2) PE with a Current Car which will not be considered TCC.

practice sessionspetrack usagetcccurrent car

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B11.7.1

FIA Source

DE - FIA Discretionary Permissions

Chapter: B11.7

In Simple Terms

The FIA can give teams special permission to do two demonstration events (like parade laps or promotional drives) with their current race car without it counting as a track test. Teams can also do additional demonstration events organized by F1's commercial partner without penalty.

Teams get two free demonstration events per season that don't count as official testing
These demonstrations use the current year's car but aren't subject to normal testing restrictions
Additional demos can be done if organized by the Commercial Rights Holder (F1's commercial operator)
All demonstrations require explicit FIA approval and discretionary permission

Official FIA Text

At the sole discretion of the FIA, each Competitor will be permitted to carry out: (a) Two (2) DE's with a Current Car which will not be considered TCC. (b) DE's organised by the Commercial Rights Holder with a Current Car.

demonstration eventdefia discretionarytestingcurrent car

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article 85

FIA Source

PU and spares for all Competitions in F1 World Championship plus 5000 km testing

Chapter: Appendix C5

In Simple Terms

Teams are allowed to have Power Units and spare parts for use during all championship races, practice sessions, and testing. Teams can test their current cars for up to 5000 kilometers total per calendar year without penalty.

Teams can use Power Units and spare elements during all official F1 competitions and championship events
Spare Power Unit components and ancillaries are permitted for competitive use
Testing of current cars is limited to a maximum of 5000 km per calendar year
This allocation covers races, testing sessions, driver evaluation, and promotional events

Official FIA Text

Power Units and spare Power Unit elements, ancillaries and components necessary for use by F1 Team during all Competitions in Championship, Testing of Current Cars, DE and PE with maximum 5000 km per calendar year.

power unitspare partstesting5000 kmcomponents

2026 Season Regulations