Ferrari Launches 2026 Campaign with SF-26 Shakedown at Fiorano

Ferrari has officially fired the starting gun on its 2026 Formula 1 campaign with a successful shakedown of the new SF-26 at Fiorano. Lewis Hamilton took the wheel for the installation lap on full-wet tyres, completing a brief but significant systems check under strict demonstration event regulations. While the mileage was limited, the sight of the red car on track signals the end of the off-season and the beginning of the fight for the championship.

Why it matters:

This marks the first public running of Ferrari's 2026 contender and Hamilton's first physical interaction with the car as a race driver for the Scuderia. With the new regulations shaking up the competitive landscape, these initial kilometers are crucial for validating fundamental systems and ensuring the car is ready for the intense pre-season testing schedule. A clean shakedown provides the psychological boost the team needs before the heavy lifting begins in Spain.

The details:

• The Run: The SF-26 completed a modest 15km—roughly five laps—at Ferrari's private test track. The run was conducted under "demonstration event" rules, which impose a strict mileage cap on teams to prevent disguised testing.
• Driver Duty: Hamilton handled the driving duties, soaking in the atmosphere as the car glided around the circuit. He briefly stopped on track, but this was a planned measure to adhere to mileage limits rather than a technical failure or reliability scare.
• Conditions: The car ran on full-wet tyres, a standard choice for installation laps to manage speeds and stress levels while checking basic systems like hydraulics and electronics.
• Status: Reports indicate no glitches or surprises, providing a clean baseline for the team to build upon.

What's next:

• Barcelona Test: The SF-26 will be unleashed for proper running during pre-season testing in Barcelona from January 26-30. This is where the car will shed its demonstration shackles.
• Real Performance: While Fiorano was a whisper, Barcelona will be the roar where Ferrari's true 2026 potential begins to reveal itself against the rest of the grid.