Ferrari Unveils SF-26 Livery for Fiorano Shakedown with Hamilton and Leclerc

Ferrari has officially unveiled the SF-26 at Fiorano, revealing a striking red-and-white livery that nods to the team's historic past. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are preparing to share driving duties for the car's shakedown, marking the highly anticipated on-track debut of Ferrari's 2026 challenger under the sport's new regulatory era.

Why it matters:

This launch signals the result of Ferrari's bold strategic gamble to abandon its 2025 campaign early in favor of the 2026 reset. While the decision cost the team millions in prize money and saw them drop to fourth in the Constructors' standings, it granted them significantly more Aerodynamic Testing Restriction (ATR) time than McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull. With the new regulations introducing lighter cars, active aerodynamics, and a new power unit formula, that extra development time is considered more valuable than cash.

The details:

• Livery: The SF-26 features a stark white engine cover with prominent HP branding, a clear homage to the legendary 312T from the 1970s.
• Design Philosophy: Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed the car is a "Spec A" design focused on "functional simplicity." The goal is to create a robust and flexible concept that can be evolved rapidly throughout the season as real-world data is gathered.
• New Regulations: The 2026 cars are 30kg lighter and shorter, utilizing active aerodynamics and a new engine with a 50/50 split between electrical and combustion power.
• Power Unit: Ferrari’s new engine has already been fired up and was even run by Cadillac on track prior to Ferrari's own shakedown.

What's next:

Following today's shakedown at Fiorano, Ferrari will head to Spain early next week for a five-day, behind-closed-doors test. The team will then participate in two official pre-season tests in Bahrain later next month before the season opener in Australia on March 8.