Ferrari confirms January 23 for 2026 F1 car launch
Ferrari will unveil its 2026 F1 livery on January 23. Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed the aggressive timeline as the Scuderia prepares for the new season with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari has officially set Friday, January 23, as the date to reveal its 2026 contender, with the car assembly scheduled to be completed just 24 hours prior. Team principal Fred Vasseur described the timeline as "aggressive," noting a convergence in approach across the grid as teams prepare for the new season.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season is a critical juncture for Ferrari to capitalize on the Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc partnership. After finishing fourth in the 2025 constructors' championship, the Scuderia is under pressure to translate its star driver lineup into genuine title contention.
The details:
- Global Timing: The event begins at 11:30 local time (10:30 GMT), streaming live on Ferrari's official YouTube channel.
- Visual Identity: The team kit features the iconic Rosso Corsa paired with bold white accents and the blue of title sponsor HP.
- Hamilton's Progress: Lewis Hamilton called his 2025 integration "life changing" and is now focused on building momentum after adapting to the new car and power unit.
- 2025 Context: Ferrari enters the new year with 398 points from the previous season, aiming to improve on Leclerc and Hamilton's fifth and sixth place finishes.
What's next:
Following the launch, the focus shifts to pre-season testing. Ferrari will be hoping that their aggressive build schedule and the settled Hamilton-Leclerc dynamic will allow them to challenge the dominance of Red Bull and McLaren from the very first lap.