On Friday, January 23rd, Ferrari revealed their much-anticipated SF-26 for the 2026 F1 season in a launch held at their Maranello headquarters. Before the car was taken out for its traditional shakedown at the Fiorano test track later that day, digital images of the SF-26 were released.
Fans can watch Ferrari’s car launch live on YouTube starting at 10:30 am UK time.
Ferrari faces significant challenges in 2026 following a disappointing, winless 2025 season. The team hopes that both the new SF-26 model and updated 2026 regulations will help them recover and reclaim top positions on the F1 grid. Last year, Ferrari dropped to fourth in the constructors’ championship despite Lewis Hamilton’s notable debut season with the team. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, did not achieve a Grand Prix podium for the first time in his career, as Charles Leclerc outperformed him.
How Ferrari performs in 2026 could influence the futures of both Hamilton and Leclerc dramatically. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur noted that assembling the car right up until the day before the launch was a tight schedule, but this approach is something all teams are adopting ahead of the new season.
Fan Take: This launch is a pivotal moment for Ferrari and F1 fans alike, as it marks the beginning of a fresh chapter with new regulations and high expectations from the iconic team. How Ferrari responds could reshape the competitive dynamics of the sport in 2026 and beyond, making it an exciting season to watch.
