Fenestraz confirms Ferrari F1 test in 2027 after switch from Mercedes

Sacha Fenestraz has confirmed he will get behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car in 2027, with the team having already locked in a test date for the Argentine development driver. Fenestraz made the move from Mercedes’ Brackley base to Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters earlier this summer as a simulator and development driver.

Speaking to Grande Premio during the Fuji race weekend for Super Formula, Fenestraz was candid about his excitement — and the practical reason behind the outing. “The truth is, it’s a dream to be able to work there, and it’s a dream to be with such a big name in motorsport,” he said. “The work is great; it’s a bit like what I did with Mercedes in Brackley, only now I get to eat some good pasta in Italy and drive a Formula 1 Ferrari in the simulator, and potentially a couple of tests next year as well, so it’s a really great opportunity.”

He added that the test is already confirmed on his schedule, though a clash with the Super GT race at Autopolis has pushed back one planned appearance. “I’m going to have a test next year, I already know that and they confirmed it. I was supposed to be there next week, but I can’t make it because I have the Super GT race at Autopolis, so oh well, it’ll happen eventually.”

Fenestraz was clear that Ferrari’s primary motivation is to sharpen his simulator work rather than to audition him for a race seat. “Obviously the most important thing for them is for me to get in the car to improve my simulator performance. All the simulator drivers have to get behind the wheel of a TPC car to gain experience in a Formula 1 car, so I’ll just have to wait for that day.”

Ferrari has not yet issued an official confirmation of the test.

Fenestraz has built a strong record in Japanese motorsport, claiming the 2019 All-Japan Formula 3 championship and competing in both Super Formula and Super GT. He also raced in Formula E with Nissan, finishing 16th in the 2022 and 2023 championships.

At Ferrari, the development picture for 2027 is taking shape more broadly: Dino Beganovic is set to step up as reserve driver alongside Antonio Giovinazzi after graduating from the team’s Driver Academy.