Ferrari are the latest team to unveil their 2026 F1 car livery at their launch event on Friday, just six weeks out from the start of the new season in Australia.
Red Bull started the launch season last week with an extravagant event in partnership with new engine partner Ford in Detroit, revealing the liveries for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls with Max Verstappen on hand.
This week, Haas, Audi and Mercedes all published digital renders of their 2026 challengers with Ferrari and Alpine to follow on Friday. McLaren launch their event on 9 February, as do Aston Martin, while Cadillac will unveil their new livery in an advert during the Super Bowl.
Anticipation is high at the Scuderia and for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, after a disappointing 2025 campaign when they failed to win a grand prix.
Follow live coverage of Ferrari’s launch with The Independent.
Ferrari F1 car launch 2026 - latest updates
- Ferrari have revealed their 2026 F1 car, the SF-26
- Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have driven the car in Fiorano
- Fred Vasseur: 'Team is more aligned and united than ever'
- The first pre-season test is next week in Barcelona
- The 2026 season starts in Australia on 8 March
A reminder of Hamilton's words:
13:30 , Kieran Jackson“The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career.
“When a new era begins everything revolves around development, growth as a team, and moving forward in the same direction. As a driver, being involved from the very start in the development of such a different car has been a particularly fascinating challenge, working closely with the engineers to help define a clear direction for it.
“It will be an extremely important year from a technical perspective, with the driver playing a central role in energy management, understanding the new systems and contributing to the car’s development.
“It is a challenge we face together as a team, supported by the extraordinary passion of Ferrari’s tifosi, which means so much to all of us.”
Alpine also launch 2026 car:
13:45 , Kieran JacksonThe French-owned team, who finished bottom of the constructors’ championship last year, also unveiled their 2026 car today, at an event in Barcelona:
BREAKING: Williams make shock call to miss first F1 2026 test in Barcelona
13:13 , Kieran JacksonWilliams have withdrawn from next week’s private F1 pre-season test in Barcelona following “delays” to their car development programme.
James Vowles’s outfit, who boast an impressive driver pairing in Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, have long targeted 2026 and this new set of regulations as a year to work their way up the pecking order.
Yet following reports that the team’s 2026 car, the FW48, had failed the FIA’s mandatory crash tests, the team confirmed on Friday that they will not be present at the shakedown event for all 11 teams next week.
More below:
Williams make shock call to miss first F1 2026 test after ‘delays’ in car development
Detail of Leclerc's run:
13:00 , Kieran Jackson"Like Hamilton, he got a lap behind the camera car and then a second lap to push,” says F1 TV presenter Lawrence Barretto.
“And like Lewis, he stopped on track at the end of that lap, did a practice start and was then pushed back to the garage.
"This was all planned. Contrary to some reports, the car didn't suffer an issue in either of those stoppages – they were simply planned stops to complete a practice start.
"That concludes the running at Fiorano. The car will now be packed up and shipped off to Spain for the Barcelona Shakedown."
Hamilton looks out on a misty day in Fiorano:
12:45 , Kieran JacksonSo much excitement in the air today 💪 pic.twitter.com/L5QRlGNURz
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 23, 2026
Charles Leclerc takes to the track
12:30 , Kieran JacksonThe Monegasque driver has driven the SF-26 for the first time:
Detail of Hamilton's run:
12:15 , Kieran Jackson“Lewis Hamilton kicked off the day with an install lap for the SF-26,” says F1 TV’s Lawrence Barretto.
“The second run was 2 laps, the 1st behind a camera car, the 2nd more of a flier. He then finished with a practice start and a stop on track, as planned.
“Charles Leclerc in the car next.”
Ferrari techincal director (power unit) Enrico Gualtieri:
12:00 , Kieran Jackson“Under the 2026 regulations, the power unit becomes a more integral part than ever in the overall car concept.
“The significantly increased role of the electric component, the introduction of 99% sustainable fuel and the removal of the MGU-H represent a clear shift in philosophy, rather than a simple evolution compared with the 2014 to 2025 era.
“This required us to rethink the architecture of the power unit from the very beginning, focusing on efficiency, integration and energy management, always in close collaboration with our colleagues in the chassis department.
“It is a complex technical challenge, which we have approached with great respect and discipline, with the objective of optimising the entire car system as the season progresses.”
Video footage of Hamilton's Fiorano run:
11:45 , Kieran JacksonWe understand that Hamilton stopped just outside the garage (end of video below) in order to maximise the amount of kilometres Ferrari could run... not because there was an issue!
FIRST LOOK! Lewis Hamilton takes NEW SF-26 for a spin in Italy 🚨🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/qmHnBCDKSu
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 23, 2026
Ferrari technical director (chassis) Loic Serra:
11:30 , Kieran Jackson“Developing the SF-26 project required us to adapt to a completely new regulatory framework. We dedicated significant time to the concept phase to capture as much of possible of the new regulatory & technical context.
“We also had to ensure that the car’s architecture would allow us enough flexibility for in season development. In this environment, efficiency and the integration of features like active aerodynamics are crucial.
“The SF-26 represents a major collaborative effort from the entire team at the factory, and we are looking forward to starting the season.”
Lewis Hamilton out on track in Fiorano:
11:20 , Kieran JacksonHamilton is out on track as we speak:
Under current FIA regulations, teams are allocated two days in which 200 kilometres of running is permitted, often conducted in the days preceding official pre-season testing.
Hamilton was waving to the hundreds of fans who gathered up on the hill for a glimpse of the SF-26.
Charles Leclerc on SF-26 car:
11:10 , Kieran Jackson“The 2026 regulations demand an even higher level of preparation, particularly for us drivers. There are many new systems to understand and optimise, which is why we have been heavily involved from the early stages of the project’s development.
“During my time with Scuderia Ferrari HP we have already experienced major regulatory changes together, so we know how complex this challenge can be, but we are working with a lot of motivation to arrive on track as well prepared as possible.
“Energy management and the power unit will be among the most significant aspects - a fascinating challenge which will require us drivers to adapt quickly, relying more on instinct to begin with, and then increasingly on precise data.
“The support of the fans will be especially important this season: it is what makes Ferrari so unique and pushes us to give our very best.”
Lewis Hamilton takes to the track in Fiorano
11:00 , Kieran JacksonSound ON! 🔊 The SF-26 comes to life! pic.twitter.com/aC1M0K58V3
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 23, 2026
Ferrari's 2026 F1 car reveal video:
10:55 , Kieran JacksonIntroducing the SF-26. Our 2026 challenger 🔴 pic.twitter.com/OMcIHjQx7p
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 23, 2026
Lewis Hamilton on 'fascinating challenge' of 2026 car:
10:50 , Kieran Jackson“The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career.
“When a new era begins everything revolves around development, growth as a team, and moving forward in the same direction. As a driver, being involved from the very start in the development of such a different car has been a particularly fascinating challenge, working closely with the engineers to help define a clear direction for it.
“It will be an extremely important year from a technical perspective, with the driver playing a central role in energy management, understanding the new systems and contributing to the car’s development.
“It is a challenge we face together as a team, supported by the extraordinary passion of Ferrari’s tifosi, which means so much to all of us.”
Ferrari on colour scheme:
10:45 , Kieran Jackson“The 2026 Rosso Scuderia colour is brighter and more intense, with a bold, striking look inspired by the special livery seen at Monza in 2025.
“The colour also maintains continuity with the red used around the turn of the millennium, reaffirming Ferrari’s core values of passion, courage, and identity. Alongside the red, the white, historically used sparingly but distinctively, takes on a new role.
“Positioned around the cockpit area and on the engine cover, it creates a strong, balanced visual contrast, making the car instantly recognisable.
“Together, red and white define a balance that goes beyond colour alone: a dialogue between established roots and a forward-looking vision, in which the historic identity of Scuderia Ferrari HP continues to evolve to meet new technical and sporting challenges.”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur: 'Team aligned and more united than ever'
10:40 , Kieran Jackson“The SF-26 marks the beginning of a new era for both Formula 1 and Ferrari, with new regulations introduced in the same year for the chassis and the power unit, as well as new fuels and new tyre sizes.
“This car is the result of a tremendous team effort and represents the start of a completely new journey, built around a different set of rules that inevitably brings a number of unknowns.
“The team is aligned and more united than ever as we look ahead to the season.
“From next week in Barcelona, we will begin the process of understanding and validating the car. In this initial phase, the priority will be to learn as much as possible and to start building solid foundations ahead of the opening race.”
More images of the SF-26:
10:35 , Kieran Jackson
Ferrari's 2026 F1 car
10:31 , Kieran JacksonThe first image of the new car:
Launch event coming up!
10:29 , Kieran JacksonWe’re just moments away from the start of Ferrari’s 2026 F1 car reveal, with the SF-26 taking to the track shortly in Fiorano.
Here are the key dates for the opening weeks of the season:
10:25 , Kieran JacksonPRE-SEASON TEST 1 (private)
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya - 26-30 January
PRE-SEASON TEST 2
Bahrain International Circuit - 11-13 February
PRE-SEASON TEST 3
Bahrain International Circuit -18-20 February
ROUND 1 - AUSTRALIA
Albert Park, Melbourne - 6-8 March
Fans have already gathered in Maranello:
10:23 , Kieran JacksonYou can’t question the passion of the Ferrari fans, on an overcast day in Maranello where temperatures are around 4C.
10 minutes until launch event:
10:20 , Kieran JacksonWhat can we expect from today? We’ll see the 2026 car livery, which is exciting!
My prediction: it will be red.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will then perform some laps around the Fiorano circuit, as part of a shakedown/filming day.
Who is Luca Diella? Frontrunner to be Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 race engineer at Ferrari
10:15 , Kieran JacksonHamilton’s current performance engineer, Luca Diella, is currently believed to be the frontrunner to be Adami’s replacement, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport. Ferrari refused to comment when approached by The Independent.
Diella joined Ferrari last year, having previously worked in Hamilton’s camp at Mercedes. At the time, Hamilton said of the change: "It's not easy to switch engineers within the middle of the season, but it's someone that I've known for years [and was] actually from my previous team with me, but not in that position.
"So we're getting used to each other and having to learn super, super quick."
Ex-Ferrari boss Ross Brawn on Hamilton:
10:11 , Kieran Jackson"I think we'd all love for him to be successful," Brawn told Sky Sports News at the Autosport Awards.
"I've got a special place for Ferrari; I've been there 10 years. I know how tough it is there.
"But it's always a fine line between a team gelling and not quite gelling, and it didn't quite gel last year.
"But if he gets some incentives and if he sees there's an opportunity, I think we'll see a vintage Lewis. So I'm hoping that happens."
Hamilton and Leclerc in Maranello:
10:05 , Kieran JacksonWhen you trust Charles with your phone 🫣 pic.twitter.com/20Tn4DqoCe
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 22, 2026
British racer ‘honoured’ after signing multi-year deal with Ferrari
10:00 , Kieran JacksonBritish driver Phil Hanson has signed a multi-year deal to represent Ferrari as a factory driver.
The 26-year-old won the most prestigious event in endurance racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans event, last year as part of the privateer AF Corse team alongside ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica and Chinese driver Yifiei Ye.
The trio finished second in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), behind the Ferrari team, and now Hanson will take on extra responsibilities representing the famous prancing horse brand in endurance competitions worldwide.
Full story below:
British racer ‘honoured’ after signing multi-year deal with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton on 2026 cars/new regulations:
09:55 , Kieran Jackson"I think it's really, really hard to predict what it's going to be like. I don't want to say too many negative things. It feels so much different and I'm not sure you're going to like it.
"But maybe I'll be surprised and maybe it'll be amazing. Maybe overtaking will be incredible. Maybe it'll be easier to overtake. I don't know."
What have the other launches been like?
09:50 , Kieran JacksonRed Bull were the first team to unveil their new livery, at a launch event alongside new engine manufacturer Ford last week:
Why Ford are ‘climbing a mountain’ in hope of powering Max Verstappen to F1 glory after 22-year absence
By Kieran Jackson
Just 39 days since Lando Norris’s title triumph in Abu Dhabi, the Formula One wagon is slowly cranking back into gear. Yet this time, those changes of gear are clunky and unpredictable. 2026 marks a deep dive into the unknown: new regulations, new teams and, for most of the field, new dreams. Disregard the usual gossip and murmurs. The truth is that nobody really knows what to expect.
Why Ford are ‘climbing a mountain’ in hope of powering Max Verstappen to F1 glory
Where did Ferrari finish last season?
09:47 , Kieran JacksonFerrari were a distant fourth in the constructors’ championship last year, 53 points off Red Bull in third and 435 points behind champions McLaren.
Charles Leclerc came home fifth in the drivers’ standings, 77 points off George Russell in fourth, while Lewis Hamilton was 86 points behind his teammate.
What are the key pre-season dates?
09:40 , Kieran JacksonAll 11 teams will take part in a private pre-season test next week (26-30 January) in Barcelona. Teams will be allowed to run for three of the five days, with lap times released at the end of each day.
There will then be two official pre-season tests in Bahrain on 11-13 February and 18-20 February.
The 2026 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on 8 March.
What time is Ferrari’s 2026 F1 car launch?
09:38 , Kieran JacksonThe launch event in Fiorano, next to Ferrari’s HQ in Maranello, is on Friday 23 January and is scheduled to start at 10:30am (GMT).
Hamilton and Leclerc will both be present for the event, before a shakedown filming day at the nearby Fiorano track.
Ferrari F1 launch
09:36 , Kieran JacksonFerrari are the latest team to unveil their 2026 F1 car livery at their launch event on Friday, just six weeks out from the start of the new season in Australia.
Red Bull started the launch season last week with an extravagant event in partnership with new engine partner Ford in Detroit, revealing the liveries for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls with Max Verstappen on hand.
This week, Haas, Audi and Mercedes all published digital renders of their 2026 challengers with Ferrari and Alpine to follow on Friday. McLaren launch their event on 9 February, as do Aston Martin, while Cadillac will unveil their new livery in an advert during the Super Bowl.
Anticipation is high at the Scuderia and for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, after a disappointing 2025 campaign when they failed to win a grand prix.
