Image: from BRDC X@BRDCSilverstone
By Open Chronicle News Desk
MARANELLO, Italy — Scuderia Ferrari has officially ushered in its most anticipated era in recent history with the unveiling of the SF-26 today. The new challenger, built for Formula 1’s radical 2026 technical overhaul, was revealed at a special launch event in Maranello before immediately hitting the Fiorano test track for its inaugural shakedown.
Ferrari SF-26 Concept Livery.
Built to bring the glory back to Maranello. 🇮🇹 #EssereFerrari #SF26 #LewisHamilton #CharlesLeclerc pic.twitter.com/3ZjpcDlNdw
— MagicRacingDesign (@MagicRacingDes) January 21, 2026
The SF-26 is a striking departure from the matte-finish designs seen in recent years. Returning to a vibrant, glossy “Rosso Corsa,” the livery features significant white accents on the engine cover and front wing—a visual nod to the legendary Ferrari 312T driven by Niki Lauda in the 1970s. The design also highlights a major partnership with tech giant HP, whose logo is prominently displayed across the new white surfaces.
El SF-26, el Ferrari que debe dar con la tecla en el nuevo cambio de reglamento para hacer brillar a Leclerc y resurgir a Hamilton
Me gusta que los alerones vuelvan a ser totalmente negros, me sobra tanto blanco pic.twitter.com/R81qg2kkJ9
— Oriol Muñoz (@orimunoz99) January 23, 2026
This launch also marked the historic first on-track appearance of Lewis Hamilton as a Ferrari driver. The seven-time world champion shared driving duties with Charles Leclerc during the shakedown, navigating the wet Fiorano circuit under the watchful eyes of the Tifosi.
“The SF-26 marks the beginning of a completely new journey,” said Team Principal Fred Vasseur. “With new regulations for the chassis, power unit, and even fuels, we have started from a blank sheet of paper. Our focus has been on functional simplicity and a robust platform that allows us to adapt and develop aggressively throughout the season.”
All the angles on the new Ferrari SF-26.
With the dash of white, it’s reminiscent of the Ferraris of the 70s.
Can it take @LewisHamilton back to the top step? We certainly hope so!#ferrari #BRDC
📸 @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/mlp3cJA6Bt
— BRDC (@BRDCSilverstone) January 23, 2026
Technically, the SF-26 incorporates the core pillars of the 2026 regulations:
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Active Aerodynamics: Moveable front and rear wings aimed at optimizing speed and energy efficiency.
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Next-Gen Power Unit: A shift to 100% sustainable fuels and a nearly 50/50 power split between internal combustion and electric energy.
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Weight Reduction: A leaner chassis designed to be 30kg lighter and narrower than the previous generation.
While the day was largely celebratory, social media footage of a brief stationary stop during Hamilton’s run sparked early speculation among fans. However, the team clarified that such pauses are standard during initial shakedowns as engineers perform system checks on the complex new hybrid components.
The Scuderia will now transport the SF-26 to Barcelona for a private three-day test next week, as they prepare to end a championship drought that has spanned nearly two decades.