Ferrari could appear with a special livery during one of the early Grands Prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season. After initial shakedowns at Fiorano and Barcelona, the Scuderia is preparing to hit the track for the six-day FIA-organized pre-season tests in Bahrain. For the Maranello team, which has already logged significant kilometers with the SF-26, this will be the first opportunity to hunt for outright performance. At Montmeló, the team led by Fred Vasseur focused primarily on ensuring the car functioned correctly and, in particular, on testing a Power Unit completely redesigned under the new regulations.
Could Ferrari turn blue during one of the first races?
Meanwhile, the Scuderia is already looking ahead to the first Grands Prix of the year, hoping to deliver early excitement for its fans. To achieve this, Ferrari plans to roll out specially modified merchandise for the occasion. According to images circulating on social media, the team could even change its livery during the China GP weekend.
The white accents that featured prominently on the SF-26 livery unveiled a few weeks ago could give way to a bluish-purple hue, complementing the classic Italian red of the Scuderia. It remains to be seen whether this color update will be limited to merchandise or if it will also extend to the actual race car on track.
Last year, it was precisely at the Chinese circuit where the Italian side scored its only victory of the season, although it came during the Sprint Race. Aside from that win, taken by Lewis Hamilton, Fred Vasseur’s team was unable to reach the top step of the podium again throughout the remainder of the year.
The potential for a blue-accented Ferrari livery at the Chinese Grand Prix highlights the team’s ongoing strategy of blending historical prestige with modern, event-specific branding. By incorporating a blue-to-purple aesthetic—likely inspired by historical Ferrari shades or specific technical partners—the Scuderia is looking to capitalize on the massive visual appeal of the 2026 season opener. Following their hard-fought Sprint victory in Shanghai last year, this branding shift signals a desire to turn the Chinese circuit into a recurring stronghold for the team. As the SF-26 prepares for its final pre-season tests in Bahrain, the prospect of a one-off livery adds an extra layer of excitement for a fanbase hungry for a return to consistent winning form. Whether the car remains classic red or adopts these rumored new tones, the performance of the redesigned Power Unit will be the true factor in determining if Ferrari’s 2026 colors end up on the top step of the podium.
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