The presentation of Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car could come earlier than expected, with the first on-track debut already scheduled due to FIA pre-season testing. Maranello is preparing to reveal its latest creation ahead of the 2026 season, and here are the details about the possible launch date and first track appearance.
In recent years, Ferrari has traditionally unveiled its new car in February at the Fiorano circuit, the team’s home track. This occasion also allows the team to cover a short filming day of 200 km, providing essential initial running. Although the track layout doesn’t offer precise performance data, it serves as a first testing platform to assess the car.
In 2023, Ferrari organized an event where fans could watch the unveiling from a specially built grandstand. In the last two years, the team adopted a more ‘private’ approach. Still, Ferrari supporters showed their passion from the famous ‘Bridge of Sighs,’ which offers a clear view of much of the track. In 2025, the first renderings of the SF-25 were released immediately after the F1-75 event in London, and the car completed its first laps the next day on February 19. For 2026, all of this is expected to happen several weeks earlier.
The week of the Ferrari 2026 launch and first track appearance
The complex 2026 regulations bring an unprecedented technical revolution to Formula 1. The engine will undergo major modifications, with a new power split between the electric and internal combustion components. While much about the new power units remains secret, rumors suggest Mercedes could be the early favorite, with Ferrari just behind.
Other significant changes include the removal of DRS and the introduction of active aerodynamics on both the front and rear wings. The sport is returning to a flat floor after four years of ground-effect cars where Venturi tunnels challenged engineers. Ferrari continues developing the Project 678, which includes substantial suspension revisions and other technical innovations.
The new Ferrari is expected to hit the track first during FIA ‘private’ testing in Barcelona from January 26 to 30. This will be followed by two additional sessions in Bahrain (February 11-13 and 18-20). The FIA has opted for closed-door testing to protect teams from prying eyes and to avoid exposing potential technical issues.
According to AutoRacer.it and confirmed by today’s edition of the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Ferrari 2026 car will almost certainly be unveiled in the week preceding the Spanish tests. It is expected that during the week of January 20, the Maranello team will reveal its new car, which will immediately complete a shakedown at Fiorano on the same day.
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