Lewis Hamilton was on track at Imola on Tuesday, September 15, participating in a Pirelli tyre test for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The Ferrari driver completed 64 laps in the SF-26, recording a best time of 1:19.485.
Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc also participated, completing 63 laps with a fastest time of 1:18.832. The combined effort provided Pirelli with 127 laps of data for their 2027 prototype compounds, specifically the C3, C4, and C5.
The test program involved five-lap performance runs, followed by longer stints to evaluate the preferred specifications. Track temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius, with air temperature at 32 degrees.
Testing at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari continues today, Wednesday, September 16. Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi is scheduled to take over driving duties.
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls will also join the Pirelli programme today, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad sharing driving responsibilities in their 2026 car. Ferrari also conducted a Testing of Previous Car (TPC) session with junior drivers like Rafael Camara in an SF-25.
The timing of this test coincides with increasing speculation that Imola could host the 2026 Formula 1 season finale. This follows ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The Qatar Grand Prix (November 29) and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 6) are currently scheduled to conclude the season. However, the conflict has raised questions about their viability.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated in July that the 2026 campaign would conclude in Europe if the Middle East races were cancelled. A decision was initially expected by mid-September.
Domenicali maintains that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are confirmed and sold out. Formula 1 is monitoring the situation weekly with teams and the FIA.
Safety and operational guarantees are paramount for Formula 1 to proceed with events in the region. The FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has also stressed safety as the guiding factor.
Italian journalist Fulvio Solms reported on September 9 that Imola has been effectively assigned a December 6 race, replacing Abu Dhabi. A separate AUTOhebdo report supported this.
Dutch commentator Jack Plooij also indicated, citing Pirelli sources, that Imola would host the final race. Portimao is another European circuit mentioned as a potential alternative.
The delay in an official announcement is attributed to contractual, insurance, and financial considerations related to cancelling existing events.
Running the SF-26 at Imola now provides Ferrari and Racing Bulls with valuable track data. This could be advantageous if the circuit is confirmed as the season finale.
Imola last featured on the Formula 1 calendar in 2025, hosting the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The circuit has a long history in F1, hosting championship races from 1980 to 2006.
