After launching the SF-26, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur said, “2026 for sure will be a very exciting season” in F1.
He has been at Ferrari since 2023, just missing out on the old ground effect regulations that began in 2022. Now, he is heading into 2026 with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as his drivers once again.
Vasseur describes the new rules as “probably the biggest change in the regulation of F1 over the last 25 years.”
Vasseur on Ferrari’s shift into F1 2026
“We are changing the chassis, the engine, the battery, the tyres, the sporting regulations, it means that the approach is a bit different. We have to start from scratch on every single topic, and the launch of the season is always exciting, but I think this one is particularly exciting.”
In Maranello, Italy, where Ferrari is based, both Hamilton and Leclerc drove the SF-26 for the first time today. In itself, it was a huge step forward for Ferrari, as they joined some of the other teams in successfully running on track.
“We put a lot of energy, time, and effort on the 2026 project. We started one year ago.”
“But what is exciting in the new regulation is that everybody probably took a different diffraction, a different path. And we will have to be very open-minded at the beginning of the season to react to every single circumstance.”
Vasseur’s message for Ferrari’s F1 fans
Last season, Vasseur’s leadership was in question, with rumours circulating that he would be replaced. However, his contract has been extended through 2027, providing the team with stability.
“And this is very important to have stability into the organisation, to have a good group of people used to working together with the same focus. And it will be key for the season.”
The Frenchman also has a message for Ferrari’s dedicated fans.
“The message for the Tifosi is a huge ‘grazie mille per il vostro supporto’.”
He continued: “We know as a team we need to have the support from the tifosi, from the drivers, from the engineers.
“For me, it’s very important. It’s even crucial to have the support from the Tifosi in every single circumstance. And they showed in the past that they are a strong support to the Scuderia.”
Ferrari will now head to Barcelona to complete pre-season testing. The testing session will run from January 26th to 30th. Earlier today, it was announced that the Williams F1 team would not be joining them due to unforeseen circumstances.
