Ferrari has officially unveiled its 2026 Formula 1 contender, the SF-26, signalling the start of a new campaign under revised technical regulations. The car made its debut at the team’s Fiorano test track in Italy, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton taking the first lap.
The SF-26 features a striking return to a glossy red livery, which the team described as “more intense,” emphasising Ferrari’s iconic colour in the new era of F1. Hamilton’s initial outing came in wet conditions, with team-mate Charles Leclerc scheduled to complete his first laps later the same day.
After a nightmarish 2025 season, in which Hamilton went an entire year without a grand prix podium following his blockbuster switch from Mercedes, the team is eager to show improvement. Leclerc, by contrast, achieved seven podiums but was unable to add to his eight career victories, leaving both drivers determined for a stronger campaign.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed confidence in the squad’s direction, stating: “The team is aligned and more united than ever as we look ahead to the season.” With new chassis and power unit regulations for 2026, Ferrari hopes to reassert itself at the front of the grid and challenge for both drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
Pre-season preparations include three separate testing events: a closed-door shakedown in Barcelona from 26–30 January, followed by two sessions in Bahrain from 11–13 February and 18–20 February. The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, scheduled for 6–8 March, will officially open the 2026 season.
The launch of the SF-26 marks a crucial step for Ferrari, as the team seeks to bounce back from a disappointing campaign and support Hamilton in his pursuit of an eighth world championship. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Ferrari’s newest machine can deliver the performance needed to return to the top of the grid.
