Key Facts
- ✓ Ferrari officially revealed its 2026 Formula 1 car, the SF-26, during a presentation on Friday.
- ✓ The SF-26 features a distinctive large white collar design element alongside the traditional red livery.
- ✓ The car's presentation and initial shakedown took place at Ferrari's private Fiorano circuit.
- ✓ The SF-26 immediately took to the track for several laps following its unveiling ceremony.
- ✓ The launch marks the official beginning of Ferrari's 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
- ✓ The new livery represents a visual evolution for the Scuderia's classic color scheme.
Quick Summary
The Scuderia Ferrari has officially launched its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the SF-26, marking the beginning of a new competitive era. The car was unveiled this Friday, presenting a striking visual departure from previous seasons with its bold color scheme.
Following the presentation ceremony, the SF-26 immediately hit the tarmac for its first shakedown runs. The historic Fiorano circuit served as the backdrop for this significant moment in Ferrari's racing history, setting the stage for the upcoming season.
A Bold New Aesthetic
The SF-26 makes an immediate visual statement with its unique livery. While retaining the iconic Scuderia red that has defined the team's identity for decades, the new car introduces a significant design element: a large white collar that dominates the upper portion of the chassis.
This white section creates a dramatic contrast against the traditional red base, offering a fresh interpretation of Ferrari's classic color palette. The design choice represents a clear visual evolution for the team as they enter the 2026 championship.
Key visual elements of the SF-26 include:
- Traditional Scuderia red base livery
- Distinctive large white collar design
- Modern aerodynamic packaging
- Immediate track presence at Fiorano
Fiorano Shakedown
The SF-26 did not remain a static display piece for long. Immediately following its unveiling, the car was prepared for its first laps on the track. The team selected the Fiorano circuit, Ferrari's private testing facility, for this crucial initial shakedown.
These first laps represent a critical phase in the car's development cycle. The shakedown allows engineers to verify systems integrity and gather initial data on the car's behavior before official pre-season testing begins. The Friday presentation and subsequent track activity mark the official commencement of Ferrari's 2026 campaign.
The SF-26 was presented this Friday before undertaking several laps of the Fiorano circuit.
Technical Evolution
While the visual identity of the SF-26 represents a departure, the car is built upon the regulations governing the 2026 Formula 1 season. The design philosophy appears to prioritize aerodynamic efficiency and visual impact, with the white collar potentially serving both aesthetic and aerodynamic functions.
The immediate track testing at Fiorano demonstrates the team's confidence in the car's readiness. This approach allows for a controlled environment to assess performance characteristics before the car faces the pressures of official testing sessions with rival teams present.
Development priorities for the SF-26 include:
- Reliability verification during shakedown runs
- Initial performance baseline establishment
- Aerodynamic concept validation
- Systems integration testing
Looking Ahead
The SF-26 unveiling marks the beginning of Ferrari's 2026 journey, combining visual innovation with technical ambition. The car's distinctive red and white livery sets a new visual standard for the Scuderia as they chase championship glory.
With the shakedown at Fiorano complete, attention now turns to the upcoming pre-season testing period. The SF-26 will face its first competitive comparisons against rival machinery, with the white collar design sure to be one of the most discussed visual elements of the 2026 grid.
