The new Ferrari SF71H is essentially a development of last year’s SF70H in which Sebastian Vettel scored five grand prix wins and finsihed second in the World Drivers' Championship behind Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

The new car features a slightly longer wheelbase and changes to the cooling system and front and rear suspension.

The SF71H's livery is more predominantly red than the recent years’ red-and-white scheme. It also no longer features Santander branding, the Spanish banking company having elected to conclude what had been a nine-year association with the Scuderia.

The driver lineup of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen remains unchanged. They were joined at the launch by new Ferrari test driver, former Toro Rosso ace Daniil Kvyat and Ferrari-supported Alfa-Sauber reserve Antonio Giovinazzi.

After the Thursday launch, the car was due at the Catalunya Circuit, for a filming day followed by the start of pre-season testing on Monday, Feburary 26.