Ferrari Sets 2026 Car Launch Date as Mercedes Teases New Engine
Ferrari will launch its 2026 F1 car on January 23rd with a shakedown for Hamilton and Leclerc, kicking off a pivotal season. The announcement comes as Mercedes teases its new power unit audio, with both teams aiming to capitalize on sweeping new technical regulations that promise to reshuffle the grid.
Ferrari has announced it will unveil its 2026 Formula 1 challenger on January 23rd, marking the official start of a critical new era for the Scuderia. The launch at Fiorano will feature Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in a shakedown run, just three days before pre-season testing begins in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Mercedes has released an audio teaser of its 2026 power unit, as rumors swirl about potential performance advantages for some manufacturers under the new regulations.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season represents a fundamental reset for Formula 1, with new technical regulations emphasizing a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power. For Ferrari, launching early is a statement of intent to rebound from a winless 2025 season and end a championship drought dating back to 2007. For Mercedes, the engine teaser hints at their confidence in a comeback after struggling in the ground-effect era. How teams adapt to the removal of the MGU-H and the introduction of active aerodynamics will define the competitive order for years.
The details:
- Ferrari's launch event on January 23rd will be a busy day, coinciding with scheduled reveals from Haas and Alpine.
- The Scuderia is seeking its first Grand Prix victory since Carlos Sainz won in Mexico in 2024 and aims to climb from a disappointing fourth place in the 2025 Constructors' standings.
- Mercedes' audio teaser builds anticipation for their 2026 power unit, a key project as they look to return to championship contention.
- Industry rumors suggest both Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains may have identified a regulatory loophole to extract extra performance from their new engines, though specifics remain unconfirmed.
What's next:
All eyes will be on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya when pre-season testing begins on January 26th. The early shakedown at Fiorano will provide the first real-world glimpse of Ferrari's new direction with Lewis Hamilton fully integrated into the team. The true performance hierarchy under the radically new 2026 rules, however, will only start to become clear over those three crucial days of testing in Spain.