One of the most exciting moments surrounding the unveiling of a new Formula 1 car is always the reveal of its official name. Between fan theories and historic anniversaries, the Tifosi are eagerly waiting to learn the designation that will accompany the car through a season many hope will be filled with success and unforgettable memories. For the 2026 season, the stakes are even higher as a new technical era begins.
On this note, during the traditional end-of-year lunch organized in Maranello, Team Principal Fred Vasseur officially revealed the date on which the new Ferrari challenger will be presented. We will have to wait until January 23 to see what has been described as the first true creation of Technical Director Loic Serra. On that same day, the team will conduct its first shakedown of the year, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc getting their first taste of the new machinery over a few preliminary kilometers. As always, thousands of fans are expected to line the fences at Fiorano from the early hours of dawn to show their support for their heroes.
But what will the new Ferrari be called?
Despite the anticipation, Fred Vasseur kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the naming convention. “For now, I’m not telling you. I don’t want to spoil the surprise,” were the words of Fred Vasseur when responding to the topic. These comments immediately sparked a wave of curiosity among the Ferrari fans, who are desperate to know the code name they will be cheering for all season long.
Regarding the current hypotheses, the most likely candidate is undoubtedly SF-26. This would follow the path of continuity, maintaining the naming logic established in recent years. A very similar alternative being discussed is SF-26/1, which would symbolize the first year of a major technical revolution in the sport.
Another strong possibility involves the use of the number 678 in the name. This would reference the internal project code—Project 678—that has been used to identify the car throughout its lengthy development phase. It remains to be seen if the team would opt for F-678 or perhaps F1-678 in this scenario.
It seems unlikely that the name will reference a specific anniversary related to the Prancing Horse. In 2026, there are no major historical milestones or anniversaries that stand out, leading many to rule out commemorative names like those seen in the past (such as the SF-70H or the SF-1000). For now, the mystery remains, but the January launch date will soon provide the final answer.
While the official name of the 2026 Ferrari remains a closely guarded secret, the countdown to the January 23 reveal has officially begun. Whether the team chooses to stick with the established “SF” nomenclature or pivot to a name reflecting its “Project 678” internal development, the focus remains on the debut of Loic Serra’s first car. With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc set for their first shakedown on launch day, the Tifosi are preparing for a season that represents a clean slate and a bold new chapter for the Scuderia.
