Hamilton Showcases Ferrari's 2026 Active Aero in F1 Launch Review

Lewis Hamilton has offered the first glimpse of Formula 1's 2026 active aerodynamics during Ferrari's livery launch at Fiorano. The event marked a significant milestone for the new regulations, which feature movable wings and increased electrical power. Meanwhile, Alpine revealed its own 2026 contender, and off-track developments saw McLaren win a major legal battle against IndyCar star Alex Palou.

Why it matters:

The debut of active aero is the most radical technical shift in F1 in decades. Hamilton's demonstration at Ferrari signals the Scuderia's aggressive intent to lead this new era. With the sport moving towards 100% sustainable fuel and complex hybrid systems, seeing these concepts in motion confirms that the 2026 revolution is becoming a reality.

The details:

• Ferrari's 2026 Reveal: Ferrari became the sixth team to unveil its livery, but the real story was Hamilton showing off the new active aero components. This replaces the traditional DRS with movable wings designed to improve racing and efficiency.
• Alpine's Return: Alpine also pulled the covers off its 2026 machine, targeting a return to the midfield fight after a difficult period. The team is banking on new regulations to propel them back up the grid.
• McLaren Legal Win: In off-track news, McLaren has been awarded a multi-million dollar payout by the UK High Court following a trial involving Alex Palou. This financial boost comes as the team prepares for the new season.
• Horner's Next Chapter: Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has announced a speaking tour of Australia, fueling speculation about a potential return to the F1 paddock in the future.

Looking ahead:

As the 2026 cars continue to break cover, the focus shifts to pre-season testing. The reliability of these complex new power units and aero systems will be the immediate talking point. For Ferrari and Hamilton, the pressure is on to translate these visual reveals into on-track performance when the green flag drops.