- Ferrari has revealed its new car ahead of the 2026 Formula One season.
- Lewis Hamilton says the new rules will test every team from the ground up.
- The regulation changes are expected to reshape competition across the grid.
- Ferrari management has urged patience as development begins.
Ferrari has officially launched their 2026 Formula One car, the SF-26, marking the start of a fresh chapter shaped by major rule changes across the sport. The car was tested at the team’s private Fiorano circuit in Italy, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc taking turns behind the wheel.
The unveiling comes as teams prepare for one of the biggest technical resets Formula One has seen in years, forcing everyone to rethink design, performance, and strategy.
Lewis Hamilton has openly admitted that the upcoming regulation overhaul will not be easy. The seven-time world champion described the changes as the most demanding shift he has faced in his long career.
According to Hamilton, the new rules mean teams are starting almost from zero. He noted that success will depend on how fast teams can develop their cars, how smart their ideas are, and how well their engineers and drivers grow together.
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur described the car’s first run as an emotional moment but stressed that it is only the beginning. He said the launch should be seen as the first step of a long journey rather than a sign of immediate results.
Vasseur also played down expectations for the opening race, explaining that early testing does not give a clear picture of true performance. With all teams adjusting to new rules, progress is expected to be rapid throughout the season.
Ferrari endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing fourth in the constructors’ standings. For Hamilton, it was also a tough year, as he failed to secure a podium finish for the first time in his career.
The British driver has previously acknowledged that the last major rule change did not suit his driving style. As he enters the later stages of his career, he hopes the 2026 cars allow him to rediscover his winning form.
There have also been adjustments within the Ferrari garage. Hamilton’s race engineer has moved to a different role after a season in which radio exchanges showed signs of tension. This marks a shift from the close working relationships Hamilton enjoyed earlier in his career.
Charles Leclerc took time to praise Ferrari’s supporters, saying their loyalty continues to inspire the team despite recent struggles. He noted that the passion of the Tifosi remains a key part of what makes Ferrari unique in the sport.
Ferrari and the rest of the grid will continue preparations with a private test in Barcelona, followed by official pre-season sessions in Bahrain.
The 2026 Formula One season will officially get underway in Australia on March 8, with 24 races scheduled across the calendar as teams battle through a new and uncertain era.
