Ferrari Names 2026 F1 Car the SF-26

Ferrari has officially named its 2026 Formula 1 challenger the SF-26, continuing its traditional naming scheme as the team prepares for a pivotal season under a new set of regulations. After a winless 2025 campaign that saw the team slip to fourth in the standings, the Scuderia is banking on a fresh start to reignite its championship ambitions and satisfy its star drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a critical reset for Ferrari after a disappointing 2025, where the team failed to win a grand prix. New technical regulations provide a rare opportunity to close the gap to dominant teams and fundamentally reshape the competitive order. The performance of the SF-26 will be a major test for team principal Fred Vasseur's leadership and will define the futures of both Leclerc, who called it "now or never," and Hamilton, who is seeking a final title with the Scuderia.

The details:

• Project 678: The car was internally codenamed Project 678 during its development phase before being officially named the SF-26.
• Launch Plan: The SF-26 will be officially unveiled on January 23 at Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello, followed by a brief shakedown at the Fiorano test track.
• Aggressive Timeline: Team boss Fred Vasseur has pushed development to the last minute, stating the car will only be fully assembled the day before its launch. "This is aggressive, but everybody will do the same," he noted.
• Driver Stakes: Charles Leclerc emphasized the importance of the new era, saying, "It's now or never, so I really hope that we will start this new era on the right foot." Lewis Hamilton is also looking for a significant step up after a challenging debut season with the team in 2025, where his adaptation took longer than expected.

Looking ahead:

With the name revealed, all attention now shifts to the performance potential of the SF-26. The January launch will provide the first public look at Ferrari's interpretation of the new regulations, offering an early indication of whether the team can translate its aggressive development philosophy into a genuine race-winning car. The success of this project is seen as foundational for Ferrari's competitiveness over the next four years.