Ferrari to Launch 2026 F1 Car on January 23 with Fiorano Shakedown

Ferrari will unveil its 2026 Formula 1 challenger on January 23 at its Maranello headquarters, with a shakedown run at the Fiorano test track to follow immediately. Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed the aggressive timeline, which will see final assembly completed just one day before the car hits the track with drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season marks the introduction of a sweeping new set of technical and power unit regulations, making car launches and pre-season testing more critical than ever. Ferrari's decision to push development to the absolute last minute reflects a high-stakes gamble to maximize performance potential before the rules are locked in, setting the tone for a crucial new era for the Scuderia.

The Details:

• Vasseur stated the car will be assembled on January 22, the day before its launch and shakedown, calling the schedule "aggressive" but noting all teams face similar pressures.
• The team's official name for the 2026 car remains under wraps, with Vasseur declining to "spoil" the announcement.
• Ferrari's pre-season strategy prioritizes mileage and reliability over outright performance during the initial tests.
• Vasseur highlighted the expanded testing schedule—nine days across Barcelona and Bahrain—as both an advantage and a new challenge compared to recent seasons with only three test days.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari is entering the 2026 regulation cycle with its most anticipated driver lineup in decades, pairing Leclerc with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. The team's approach underscores lessons from past regulation changes, like 2014, which were marred by high rates of mechanical failures. By focusing first on reliability in Barcelona, Ferrari aims to build a robust foundation before chasing performance refinements in the later Bahrain tests, ensuring the car is ready to compete from the season opener in Australia.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Maranello on January 23 for the first glimpse of Ferrari's new direction. The subsequent shakedown and tests in Barcelona (beginning late January) and Bahrain (mid-February) will provide the first real indications of whether the Scuderia's aggressive development strategy has positioned it as an early frontrunner in F1's new era.