Ferrari has released the very first onboard footage of the new SF-26, with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of the latest Maranello single-seater. The video also offers fans their first glimpse at Ferrari’s new 2026 steering wheel – a key component under the updated technical regulations – in action.
SF-26 shakedown and Hamilton’s first laps
The Scuderia of Maranello presented the SF-26 to an enthusiastic crowd of fans at the Fiorano track, where Lewis Hamilton was the first driver to take the car out on track. Alongside the shakedown, Ferrari also unveiled the brand-new steering wheel that will be used under the 2026 FIA regulations, showcasing the team’s interpretation of the new technical framework.
Technical analysis and initial insights reveal extensive study and engineering work by the Ferrari team under the guidance of Technical Director Loïc Serra. The French engineer has the responsibility of proving that, in his debut season in this role, he can lead Ferrari to the top once again. The debut drew a large crowd of Tifosi eager to see the new car in action. Charles Leclerc also shared his impressions of the SF-26, noting in particular the return of glossy paint on the car. But now, let’s focus on the onboard footage and the new steering wheel chosen by the Maranello team.
Ferrari adopts the steering wheel tested in Abu Dhabi 2025
Ignition on, and the SF-26 is ready. Lewis Hamilton completed the first laps as part of the shakedown’s “mini-program,” starting with a low-speed installation lap to familiarize himself with the car. He then completed two more laps at slightly higher speed, taking some calculated risks. To respect the 15-kilometre limit set for the shakedown, it was necessary to stop the car on track and return it to the garage with the engine switched off. Ferrari reported no issues or technical hiccups during these initial laps. Charles Leclerc also completed two laps without encountering any problems, which is never guaranteed with a brand-new car. The team could breathe a sigh of relief. Following Fiorano, the SF-26 is now headed to Barcelona, but the onboard footage already offers a first look at the redesigned steering wheel.
Revolutionizing the steering wheel for the new regulations
Under the 2026 regulations, managing the battery effectively requires a completely redesigned steering wheel. The new wheel is noticeably slimmer, with a less pronounced rear bulge. The two “horns” of the wheel have a clear functional purpose: the recessed area helps save critical grams, while the raised outer sections accommodate a dial for differential settings at the front and a secondary button at the rear of the wheel. This combination gives the wheel its distinctive wavy shape – unusual at first glance, but driven entirely by functional needs. In the rear section, some elements remain familiar. The side paddles for the clutch and gearshift have only minor updates, representing solutions already consolidated over time.
Our first look at the SF-26 in action! A result from all the hard work from everyone in the factory to Charles and Lewis on track. pic.twitter.com/oWdXwKzu3e
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 23, 2026
Major changes at the front of the wheel
The most significant updates are found in the front of the wheel. The arrangement of buttons and LED indicators has changed substantially, with some now positioned closer to the display. The layout can be adjusted to suit the preferences of either Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari has deliberately avoided including too many functions on a single rotary switch, a choice that reduces the need for radio instructions and prevents revealing strategic information to competitors, while providing maximum comfort for the driver. The lower buttons have been reduced from six to three, mirroring the configuration Hamilton used on his Mercedes. This suggests that some secondary functions may now be accessed through sub-menus. Fewer buttons also allow for a smaller wheel diameter, which features a cutout at the bottom for improved driver ergonomics.
