Ferrari Sets January 23rd for 2026 F1 Car Launch

Ferrari will unveil its 2026 Formula 1 challenger on January 23rd at the team's Fiorano test track, just three days before the official pre-season test begins. The launch will feature a shakedown run with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc behind the wheel of the new, as-yet-unnamed car.

Why it matters:

The 2026 launch marks a pivotal moment for Ferrari, representing the first car fully developed under the new technical regulations and a critical project for Lewis Hamilton's second season with the team. An early shakedown at Fiorano provides valuable real-world data and filming days ahead of the official test, offering a potential head start in a highly competitive season.

The Details:

• The January 23rd date aligns Ferrari with rivals Haas and Alpine, who have also scheduled their 2026 car reveals for the same day.
• This announcement brings the total number of teams with confirmed 2026 launch dates to eight, leaving only Williams, McLaren, and Mercedes yet to announce their plans.
• The tight three-day window between the launch and the start of pre-season testing on January 26th underscores the compressed timeline teams face under the new regulations.
• The launch event at Fiorano is a traditional and strategic choice for Ferrari, allowing for immediate on-track running and data collection in a controlled environment.

Looking Ahead:

All eyes will be on the technical philosophy Ferrari reveals on January 23rd. The 2026 car is the first major project initiated under Team Principal Fred Vasseur's leadership and will be a crucial indicator of the team's ability to challenge for a championship in the new regulatory era. Its performance in the subsequent shakedown and pre-season test will set the initial narrative for Ferrari's 2026 campaign.