Ferrari brought eight upgrades to the SF-26 for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and topped long-run simulations during Friday practice. High tyre degradation affected the entire field.
Charles Leclerc led the long-run charts for Ferrari after accounting for stint lengths and tyre compounds. He was 0.16 seconds per lap faster than Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
McLaren trailed by an average of 0.39 seconds per lap in long runs while Red Bull was 0.45 seconds behind. Mercedes and McLaren performed better in single-lap qualifying simulations.
Ferrari introduced a new front wing with revised nose shape, raised lower surface and additional dive plane. The team also optimised the front floor, rear corner winglets and diffuser.
Pirelli Motorsport Director Dario Marrafuschi said tyre degradation was severe and expected at least two pit stops on Sunday.
