Overview
- The SF-26 turned its first laps at Fiorano with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel before Charles Leclerc completed runs during the launch shakedown.
- Ferrari’s new car arrives under sweeping 2026 regulations that cut aerodynamic load by up to 30% and target roughly a 50–50 split between electric and combustion power on 100% sustainable fuels.
- Hamilton called the rule change the biggest of his career and said the fresh start has renewed his enthusiasm, while stressing that development speed will decide early form.
- After finishing 2025 fourth in the constructors’ standings with no wins, Ferrari frames the SF-26 as its reset, though team principal Fred Vasseur cautions that performance judgments must wait for Melbourne on March 8.
- The program moves to private running in Barcelona from January 26–30 before two Bahrain test blocks on February 11–13 and 18–20.