El destape

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Recién a último momento el equipo campeón de la temporada 2025, McLaren, anunció que su presentación oficial será el 9/2 en Baréin, mediante transmisión en directo a las 15:00 GMT.

Llama poderosamente la atención que varios equipos hagan presentaciones solo de sus decoraciones o por renders y videos; esto quizás esté alertando sobre las enormes dificultades y los trabajos contra reloj para finalizar el desarrollo de los modelos ajustados a la reglamentación que rige a partir de este año. Ferrari, por ejemplo, ha mencionado que aún no ha hecho el primer encendido del motor que impulsará sus vehículos; parece muy grave.

Ahora se entiende algo más sobre la decisión de algunos pocos equipos que abandonaron tempranamente el desarrollo del modelo 2025 para dedicarse de lleno a esta nueva versión, ¿quizás Alpine estaba en la dirección correcta? Lo sabremos pronto.

The unveiling

The term "Destape" (unveiling) was used in Spain to describe a period when radio, newspapers, magazines, cinema, and the nascent television industry began a rapid transformation without the previous censorship. It opened the doors to rock music and music in general, erotic films, culture, politics, and social activity after a long period dominated by the dictator Francisco Franco, who had completely censored most of the aforementioned activities.

The above is relevant because I have just learned that some media outlets, mainly Spanish and Argentinian, refer to the presentation of the new Formula 1 vehicles as a "unveiling," and it occurred to me to relate it to that small part of the history of the mother country.

I understand that this event is called the "unveiling" because the vehicles will likely be covered, and a protective cover or blanket will be removed to show the entire motorsport community, and F1 fans in particular, how the cars look after having to be completely rebuilt due to the radical regulatory changes that come into effect this 2026 season.

Perhaps some won't use that cover, and the vehicle will be illuminated after being in total darkness, or perhaps it will appear from under the floor or be lowered by some mechanical device from a hidden spot high above; I don't really know. Consider the blanket simply as a representation of the act of unveiling and exhibiting them. Although not all will be shown live, we'll see.

And the unveiling festivities begin today, with the first team ready and prepared to show their cars to everyone.

The first to be unveiled will be the Red Bull team, which will also take the opportunity to present its satellite team, Racing Bull. The event is scheduled to take place in Detroit, world-renowned as the birthplace of the American automotive industry, known as "Motor City," home to industry giants like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. The chosen location is directly related to the engine change. Starting this year, the energy drink company's vehicles will abandon the proven Honda engine with which Max Verstappen won four consecutive titles, leaping with as-yet-unmeasured consequences: a Ford Powertrains engine.

The car launches will continue on January 19th with the presentation of Haas and its new main sponsor, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR). This event will consist solely of renderings and videos broadcast on social media. On January 20th, Audi will hold its presentation in Berlin, the capital of Germany, in keeping with the brand's country of origin. One interesting detail is added to this list of presentations: the new Honda engine will be unveiled on January 20th in Tokyo, Japan, separately from Aston Martin, the team that will use it this season.

Mercedes will present only the livery of the W17 on January 22nd, reportedly exclusively via social media.

On January 23rd, it will be the turn of two teams: Ferrari, at a location yet to be confirmed, and Alpine, which will present in Barcelona, ​​Spain.

Regarding Ferrari, its principal, Fred Vasseur, has stated that they are behind schedule and that the car will only be finished on January 22nd, which is a day before the presentation, almost certainly in Maranello, the brand's historic home.

On February 2nd, Mercedes will present the complete car, also via social media.

On February 3rd, Williams will unveil the livery of its Williams FW48; the location is still unconfirmed, although it is speculated that it will also be via social media.

On February 8th, Cadillac will officially unveil its cars, which have already been spotted during private testing. The event will take place in California, USA, and will be broadcast during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium, home of the 49ers.

Aston Martin will present the AMR26 on February 9th. The car will be the first designed by Adrian Newey for the team owned by Lawrence Stroll. The location of the event has not yet been confirmed; it is speculated that this team usually chooses to hold it at its Silverstone headquarters.

Just at the last minute, the 2025 championship-winning team, McLaren, announced that its official presentation will be on February 9th in Bahrain, with a live broadcast at 3:00 PM GMT.

It is striking that several teams are only presenting their liveries or using renders and videos; this may be a sign of the enormous difficulties and the race against time to finalize the development of models that comply with the regulations in effect from this year onwards. Ferrari, for example, has mentioned that it has not yet performed the first ignition of the engine that will power its vehicles; this seems very serious.

Now we understand a bit more about the decision of a few teams who abandoned the development of the 2025 model early on to dedicate themselves fully to this new version. Perhaps Alpine was on the right track? We'll find out soon.