NOS Sport•
Ferrari’s new car is brighter red than last year and also has a larger white area. That is the most striking novelty at the team presentation of the Italian Formula 1 racing team.
One by one, the teams are unveiling their new car these days. Ferrari was seventh in line this morning. Formula 1 fans are eagerly looking forward to it, although there is often very little new to see.
Only a few teams opt for a large presentation, other racing stables only share some photos on social media or saw images of a private test leaked.
And not all teams show the real car yet. Often it only concerns the new colors on a show model. Three days before the start of the first test week in Barcelona, it becomes clear little by little what the cars will look like.
New era
Because a lot will change in Formula 1 next year, where a whole series of new rules will be implemented. “The 2026 season will be a big challenge for everyone, it may be the biggest rule change I have experienced in my career,” said seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is starting his twentieth season.
“At the start of a new era it’s all about development, growing as a team and working forward in the same direction. As a driver it’s a fascinating challenge to be involved from the start in developing such a different type of car.”
Alpine on a boat
Alpine was the eighth team to present the new battle weapon this afternoon, due to sponsorship interests this happened on a large cruise ship. The French team has said goodbye to Renault engines and will use Mercedes power unit this year,
More than a week ago, Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls were the first teams to announce their new livery. On Tuesday, Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson completed a first test session in the new car, which differed from the model used at the presentation in Detroit.
First crash
For British debutant Lindblad, his first day at work did not go as planned: he managed to end up in the gravel trap during a test lap.
Red Bull’s main formation has not yet covered any distance. For Max Verstappen, the test week in Spain seems to be the first chance to put his new material to the test.
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Newcomer Lindbald managed to crash during the first practice laps -
Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull Racing car
Audi also presented its car on Monday evening, after images of the ‘R26’ surfaced two weeks ago. Audi will make its debut in Formula 1 this year, after taking over the Sauber formation.
Haas, Mercedes and Cadillac (a completely new team) shared a number of photos online, with the latter teams having already driven some meters with their new battle weapon.
The first official Formula 1 test week starts next Monday in Barcelona. In a period of five days, all teams can choose three days to complete as many laps as possible.
For many racing stables it will mainly be a week of getting rid of teething problems that come with all the novelties. The circuit is therefore completely closed to the press and public.
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The new Mercedes -
