Scuderia Ferrari has revealed their livery for the 2026 season, the SF-26, ahead of the shakedown in Barcelona.
Ferrari’s 2026 challenger
In line with the new technical regulations in 2026, Ferrari approached the SF-26 differently. The Scuderia abandoned the emphasis on aerodynamics, instead focusing more on reducing the weight of the car and improving efficiency. The SF-26 will also feature a hybrid power unit, increasing the contribution of the electric system as part of the new regulations.
The SF-26 retains the classic Ferrari Rooso Corsa, paired with details highlighted in white primarily around the cockpit area and engine cover. One of the most prominent changes to the chassis is the glossy finish, marking the return of the gloss paint after seven consecutive seasons of matte finish. The bold design of the SF-26 takes heavy inspiration from the Scuderia’s 2025 Monza special livery. The chassis design aims to reaffirm Ferrari’s core values of passion, courage and identity as the team enters their 76th season in Formula 1 under the new regulations.
A season for redemption
The launch of the SF-26 not only marks a new season for the Scuderia but also a new opportunity for the team to put itself back at the top. Ferrari’s last championship title was nearly two decades ago, won by Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 during his maiden season with the Maranello outfit.
Since then, while Ferrari has produced quick cars in recent seasons, none have brought the team the Championship title. The 2025 Formula 1 season is no exception. It was a difficult season of constant disappointment for the team, and the SF-25 proved to be unreliable, often lacking speed. The team entered the 2025 season with high expectations, riding on the success of their 2024 season, when they put pressure on McLaren until the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The Scuderia had also signed Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton to race alongside Charles Leclerc, a driver lineup many thought would be unstoppable.
Instead, Ferrari continued to face many difficulties throughout the season. Their biggest problem of the season was the car’s extreme sensitivity to ride-height change. Leclerc and Hamilton were also held back by persistent brake issues on multiple occasions, having to “Lift and Coast” (LICO) rather than being competitive on track. An issue that both drivers have expressed their frustration towards many times during the season.
The Scuderia finished a tough 2025 season in a disappointing fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, with a total of 398 points, 435 points behind the champion, McLaren. This result is a far cry from their performance in 2024, when they finished in second, a mere 14 points behind McLaren.
Early on in the season, Ferrari had announced that they would cease major development of the SF-25 and prioritise resources for the 2026 technical regulation overhaul. The Maranello outfit will hope the shift in focus was worth the risk as they enter the new technical regulation era.
Ferrari’s 2026 driver lineup
Ferrari will enter the 2026 season with the same driver lineup of Leclerc and Hamilton.
Leclerc will be entering his eighth season with the Scuderia since his promotion to the team in 2019, following his rookie season in Formula 1 with Sauber. The Monegasque has clinched eight race wins with the team thus far. The 2025 season, however, proved difficult as he failed to step on the top step once. Despite this, Leclerc was able to add seven more podium appearances under his belt, bringing his total to 50 with Ferrari. The 28-year-old ended the 2025 Formula 1 season in fifth with a total of 242 points and was mathematically in contention for the title until the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
After yet another disappointing and difficult season with Ferrari, Leclerc will be looking forward to another chance at accomplishing his goal of winning the Drivers’ Championship in Rosso Corsa. Will his loyalty to the Scuderia be rewarded with the performance of a competitive SF-26 and a shot at the title under the new technical regulations in 2026?
Racing alongside Leclerc for his sophomore year in Rosso Corsa is Lewis Hamilton. The Seven-time World Champion’s first season with Ferrari was far from ideal as he would face numerous challenges throughout the year. For the first time in his 19-season career, the Briton finished the season without a single podium appearance. The highlight of Hamilton’s first campaign with Ferrari was early on in the season, when he showed hints of potential driving the SF-25 to an impressive Sprint Victory in Shanghai. However, it has also been a season of many lows, with the British driver being knocked out of Q1 in the final three qualifying sessions of the 2025 season.
Hamilton was still trying to adapt to a new environment and team in 2025 after spending 12 seasons with Mercedes prior to his move to Maranello. Now with one year of experience with the Italian outfit under his belt, will Ferrari be able to maximise Hamilton’s full potential on track with the SF-26 and reap the talent that comes with a Seven-time World Champion?
