The new car has splash of white around the cockpit, surrounded by the Italian glamour team’s traditional red colour scheme, in a livery that harks back to that of the 312 T driven by Niki Lauda in 1975—a similarity that is probably no coincidence.

Ferrari are hoping to end a title drought stretching back to Kimi Raikkonen’s championship win 19 years ago and may be looking for inspiration from 1975, when Lauda and the 312 T ended a long spell of disappointment by giving the team their first drivers’ and constructors’ championship win in 11 years.

The car is also shorter, narrower and lighter than its predecessor in changes linked to a new set of technical regulations that come into effect this season.

Ferrari President John Elkann and hundreds of fans were at the Fiorano track near Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters to see the SF-26 make its debut, with seven-time world champion Hamilton the first to get behind the wheel.

The 41-year-old will enter his second campaign driving for the Italian giants following an underwhelming year where he failed to land a single podium for the first time in his career. 

But Hamilton will hope that a complete overhaul of the sport’s technical rulebook can provide him with a chance to revive his fortunes and fight for a record eighth world championship. 

The chassis, engine, fuel and tyres are all new for the 11 teams this year.

“The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career,” he said.

“It will be an extremely important year from a technical perspective, with the driver playing a central role in energy management, understanding the new systems and contributing to the car’s development.

“It’s a challenge we face together as a team.” 

ANSA/AAP