Sacha Fenestraz has revealed that he expects to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car by 2027, following his move from Mercedes to Ferrari’s development programme. Although the team has yet to officially confirm the test, Fenestraz says the opportunity has already been promised as he looks to strengthen his role as a simulator driver.
Key Highlights
Ferrari F1 Test by 2027: Fenestraz says Ferrari has confirmed a test opportunity for next year, despite the team not making an official announcement.
Mercedes to Ferrari: The Argentine driver joined Ferrari as a simulator and development driver this summer after leaving Mercedes.
Simulator Development: The planned track outing will help Fenestraz gain real-world F1 experience and provide more accurate feedback for simulator development.
Proven Motorsport Experience: Fenestraz won the 2019 All-Japan Formula 3 championship and has competed in Super Formula, Super GT and Formula E.
From Silver Arrows to Scarlet Red: Fenestraz's Maranello Dream
This summer, Fenestraz made the move from Mercedes' Brackley base to Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, bringing him closer to a childhood ambition. Speaking during the Super Formula weekend at Fuji, he shared his excitement about joining one of motorsport's most prestigious teams.
Speaking to Grande Premio, Fenestraz said: "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... 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."
The Argentine also said the team had already assured him of a test opportunity in 2027. "I'm going to have a test next year, I already know that and they confirmed it," he explained.
A previously scheduled test was postponed because of his Super GT commitments at Autopolis. However, Fenestraz remains confident that the opportunity will go ahead next year.
Why Simulator Drivers Need Track Time
While the prospect of driving a Ferrari F1 car is an exciting milestone, Fenestraz explained that the test would serve a practical purpose in his development role.
For Ferrari, giving simulator drivers real-world experience is important for improving the quality of their feedback and supporting car development. "All the simulator drivers have to get behind the wheel of a TPC car to gain experience in a Formula 1 car," Fenestraz explained.
The experience would help him better understand how an actual F1 car behaves, allowing him to deliver more precise and useful feedback when working in the simulator. This connection between track performance and virtual testing is an important part of the team's development process.
A Rising Star's Motorsport Journey
Before joining Ferrari, Fenestraz established himself as a competitive driver, particularly in Japanese motorsport. His biggest early achievement came in 2019, when he won the All-Japan Formula 3 championship, marking a significant milestone in his single-seater career.
He subsequently competed in Super Formula and Super GT, gaining experience across two of Japan's major racing categories. He also raced for Nissan in Formula E, competing in the 2022 and 2023 championships. That varied background gives Fenestraz experience across different racing disciplines, which could prove valuable in his Ferrari development role.
Ferrari is also continuing to develop its wider driver programme. Elsewhere in the Scuderia's junior ranks, Dino Beganovic is slated to become a reserve driver in 2027, joining Antonio Giovinazzi and further highlighting the team's long-term approach to driver development.