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Ferrari are due to reveal their 2026 Formula 1 car on 23 January, which positions them in the middle of the pre-season launch schedule.
Given their status as F1’s biggest and most successful team, Ferrari always face more pressure than their competitors. But even in that context, it’s hard to think of many moments in the 21st century where the stakes have been higher.
Team principal Fred Vasseur may have signed a new contract last year, but his long-term future is far from secure. Charles Leclerc, one of the most talented drivers in the team’s recent history, is threatening to leave if they underperform, while Lewis Hamilton risks being forced out.
The countdown is on — which 2026 challenger are you most excited to see? 👀
Ferrari didn’t win a single Grand Prix last season and slipped to fourth in the constructors’ championship. Failure at the start of this ruleset could set the tone for the next four seasons.
Fred Vasseur was ‘infuriated’ by potential Ferrari launch delay
Italian outlet Top Speed relays rumours that the Ferrari SF-26 is ‘seriously behind schedule’. There are concerns that it won’t be ready for the 23 January launch, a ‘disturbing’ development.
When this was communicated to Vasseur, he ‘went berserk’. Some within the team are even worried about making it to the Barcelona test on 26 January, but Ferrari are still expected to be there.
You’re Ferrari: What would be your dream team if Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur all left in 2026?
Last year, Ferrari debuted their car at the Fiorano test track before testing, utilising one of the two ‘filming days’ permitted under the regulations.
Delaying the launch would be a PR nightmare for the Scuderia, but more importantly, it would confirm that they are at a competitive disadvantage heading into the new season. It sounds as if it will be tight.
Is this the reason Ferrari’s 2026 car build has been delayed?
One journalist who has written a book about the team says nobody ever leaves Ferrari. But perhaps that is starting to change.
Technical director Enrico Cardile was poached by Aston Martin ahead of the 2025 season, while engine bosses Wolf Zimmermann and Lars Schmidt moved to Audi last year.
Some at Ferrari blamed Cardile for the SF-25’s problems. Perhaps the untimely exits of Zimmermann and Schmidt are taking their toll too.
After the behind-closed doors test in Barcelona, there are still a further six days of track running in Bahrain in February.
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