Ferrari unveils 2026 race suit: a vintage-inspired design sparks HP logo debate

Ferrari has unveiled its race suits for the 2026 Formula 1 season, marking a fresh chapter as the sport embraces sweeping regulatory changes. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc showcased the new design in a video released on the Scuderia's official channels, giving fans their first glimpse of what the team's drivers will wear as the championship enters a transformative year. The reveal comes at a pivotal moment, with the sport preparing for significant technical overhauls that will reshape both power units and aerodynamic regulations.

A return to Ferrari's golden era

The new race suit design captures the essence of Ferrari's illustrious heritage while modernizing the iconic Rosso Corsa aesthetic. The suits retain the traditional Ferrari red base but introduce heavier white accenting across the shoulders, neckline, sides of the torso, and down the legs. White lines now interrupt the chest and shoulder panels, replacing the previous year's horizontal stripe—a deliberate departure that evokes memories of Ferrari's 2007 race suit worn by Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa.

"Take my money, my portfolio and whatever you want. I need one of these RIGHT NOW," one enthusiastic fan commented on the video, reflecting widespread appreciation for the nostalgic design direction.

The HP logo controversy

However, not every element of the new design has received universal acclaim. The blue Hewlett-Packard (HP) title sponsor logo has become the focal point of considerable fan backlash, with the contrasting color standing out against Ferrari's traditionally monochromatic branding approach. The blue accent, positioned opposite the Prancing Horse on the chest, represents a departure from Ferrari's established visual identity.

Fans have expressed frustration on social media over the color choice. "HP needs to drop the blue please," one commenter stated, while another more forcefully argued: "If the logo isn't white on the car I'm telling everyone I know and ever meet to never buy, search or have anything to do with HP ever. You wanted negative press well here it is. Why are you OK with a matching logo on Real Madrid but not Ferrari???"

This criticism underscores the passionate nature of the Ferrari fanbase and their expectations regarding the team's aesthetic presentation. The issue highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between honoring their heritage and accommodating sponsor visibility requirements.

Looking forward to 2026

As Ferrari prepares for the dramatic regulatory shake-up ahead, this race suit design signals the team's commitment to honoring its past while embracing the future. The new livery for the SF-26 is set to be revealed on January 23, which will likely incorporate similar design elements and provide additional context for how Ferrari plans to present itself during this transformative season.

The Scuderia's focus on the 2026 campaign has been evident throughout the previous season, with team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledging that Ferrari pivoted its development strategy to concentrate on the new regulations. While this decision impacted 2025 competitiveness, it underscores the team's determination to compete at the highest level under the revised technical framework.

Beyond the apparel, Ferrari has also confirmed partnerships designed to optimize performance, including WHOOP as the official health and fitness wearable partner, ensuring drivers and team members can continuously monitor their physical condition throughout the demanding season ahead.