SF-26 update: Ferrari’s Sporting Management reports delays and internal chaos. Ferrari faces internal alert ahead of SF-26 launch: what’s happening in Maranello.

Ferrari, concern emerges from Maranello: alert and ‘chaos’ in Sporting Management, here’s why

Ferrari is finalizing all the details for the upcoming presentation of the SF-26, but reports suggest a delay has raised alarm. Here’s a breakdown of the difficulties Ferrari is facing and why concern is emerging from Maranello, with a general sense of ‘chaos’ within the Sporting Management team.

Over the past few weeks, we have tried to keep fans updated on the construction of the new car, which is scheduled to be revealed at Fiorano on January 23. Ahead of the media event, Team Principal Frederic Vasseur had already indicated that Ferrari would take an aggressive approach: “I believe that this year, in any case, all teams will have to be aggressive in several aspects. In our case, we will complete the assembly of the car the day before the presentation, on January 22.”

However, the current situation within Ferrari’s Sporting Management does not appear ideal, with multiple concerns and a general feeling of disorganization.

Ferrari has not yet fired up the engine, delay in schedule

On a positive note, reports from AutoRacer.it confirm that both drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, have already completed the famous ‘seat fit’ on the SF-26. This task is already completed, allowing focus to shift to more urgent matters. According to journalists and F1 experts Rosario Giuliana and Giuliano Duchessa on their X profiles, the chassis of car number 678 was only recently approved. Such a critical component is usually finalized well before the official presentation. “Our sources indicate there is a delay in the timeline. We will hear more about it. Some sources suggest a chaotic situation.” These comments paint a picture from the outside that is far from reassuring. Falling behind schedule after beginning work on the car in April is certainly not a good omen.

Adding to this is another point of concern. Unlike Honda, Audi, or Mercedes, Ferrari has not yet released a video of the 2026 engine’s first ‘fire-up.’ According to the same sources, the initial engine start has not yet occurred within the Sporting Management workshop but is considered “imminent” and should happen “shortly.” After the presentation, a shakedown will take place at Fiorano, followed by testing in Barcelona from January 26 to 30. The Team Principal has already indicated that the Italian team will focus on reliability rather than outright performance during these tests, hoping that Ferrari can get back on track and meet the planned schedule.

The reports of internal tension at Maranello highlight the immense pressure Ferrari is under to deliver a competitive car for the 2026 technical revolution. While delays in chassis sign-off and the absence of a public engine fire-up have sparked “chaos” narratives in the Italian media, the upcoming Fiorano shakedown will be the true test of the SF-26’s readiness. If Fred Vasseur’s aggressive assembly schedule pays off, these early alarms may simply be viewed as the growing pains of a team pushing the absolute limits of engineering.