Ferrari unveils 2026 F1 car in “extremely important year” for the Prancing Horse

Ferrari revealed the SF-26 for this season’s Formula 1 campaign at Fiorano, with the Prancing Horse aiming to end nearly two decades without a driver’s or constructors’ title.

Lewis Hamilton called the upcoming Formula 1 season an “extremely important year” and a “huge challenge” in light of the new technical regulations in the sport. Teammate Charles Leclerc said both he and Hamilton had been “heavily involved from the early stages of the project’s development” as teams and drivers try to get an understanding of the new systems in place for 2026. Both drivers were unable to claim a win in 2025.

The 72nd car built by Ferrari in F1 will be lighter, more streamlined and fitted with a new generation hybrid power unit, as the chassis abandons ground-effect aerodynamics in favour of a different approach.

Gloss paint returns for SF-26 livery

As for the livery, Ferrari says it connects the team’s past, present and future and sees a return to gloss paint after seven seasons of matte finish, giving it a brighter, more intense look. There is also a greater use of white than ever before, with the area around the cockpit and engine cover helping to create a contrasting balance.

This use of red and white is also seen in the race suits set to be donned by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, with the predominantly red overalls contrasted by white around the neck and collar area, as well as down the length of the sides.

Ferrari began work with the SF-26 at Fiorano and will head to Barcelona next for private testing. Official testing will then take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in February, where teams can run on a maximum of three of the five days available.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Scuderia Ferrari