The Drive of a Lifetime: Taming the Prancing Horse in a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS
Most individuals harbour a cherished dream of piloting a Ferrari, yet only a fortunate few truly experience this exhilarating reality. This account offers an insider’s perspective on navigating the formidable power of the iconic Prancing Horse.
By Andrew van Leeuwen
Published: October 2, 2026
A fundamental question resonated the moment I settled into the cabin: “Have you ever driven a Ferrari before?” The inquiry momentarily disoriented me. While I had certainly been inside Ferraris, a truthful reflection revealed that I had never actually piloted one.
This profound realisation, occurring as I carefully settled into the 296 GTS—elegantly painted in the exquisitely named Rosso Imola—rendered the experience incomparably more profound. This drive, stretching from Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park, was nothing short of extraordinary; it was my inaugural foray into driving a Ferrari.
READ MORE: Track Test – How the hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB handles itself at its limits
I am grateful to have realised this distinction when I did, as it allowed me to savour the moment more intensely. It amplified my appreciation for the sheer beauty of the substantial key fob in my hand, the impossibly low seating position that clings to the ground, and the steering wheel that subtly hints at the latent performance capabilities within.
Navigating the practicalities proves challenging; finding a suitable spot for a water bottle is an exercise in futility, and carrying more than a small backpack results in immediate logistical problems. However, this critique is somewhat moot. This is a two-seater Ferrari supercar, engineered with a feature known as “Qualifying Mode.” What more could one genuinely desire from such a pinnacle of automotive engineering?
Motorsports Heritage and the Ferrari 296 Challenge
The deep-rooted connection between Ferrari and motorsports, prominently evident in the 296 model, served as a recurring theme throughout our expedition through the South Australian countryside. The primary objective of our excursion was the official inauguration of the brand-new Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series, scheduled to commence in 2025. The privilege of unleashing the road-going 296 was, in effect, a delightful bonus to this larger event.
VIDEO: Ferrari 296 GTB Hot Lap with David Russell
The term “unleash” must be tempered by the reality that we were strictly operating on open public roads, subject to stringent legal limitations. The remarkable advantage of contemporary supercars lies in their ability to mitigate the traditionally demanding characteristics of aggressive engine calibration, heavy clutches, and performance transmissions—qualities that historically rendered low-speed driving in these vehicles exceptionally taxing. Modern technology has transformed this experience entirely.
Hybrid Technology Meets Raw Power
Equipped with the hybrid system featured in the 296, drivers can effectively navigate traffic using entirely electric power, drawing upon a substantial reservoir of energy. Only when the accelerator is depressed with sufficient force does the twin-turbo V6 engine roar to life. Once again, the integration of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is remarkably smooth; in fact, without the distinct auditory cues, one might not even realise the engine has engaged. While the automatic transition from electric to ICE provides an entertaining spectacle, it was a feature I experienced only on a couple of occasions. I did not embark on a journey in a Ferrari seeking a silent, placid ride; I sought exhilaration and the visceral thrill of raw power.
2024 Ferrari 296 GTS
Once traffic cleared, the focus shifted entirely to enjoying the twin-turbo V6—experienced in judicious, controlled bursts, naturally—and gaining some subtle insights into the sensation of outputting peak power. In Qualifying Mode, the 296 can generate 830 horsepower, blending both the ICE and hybrid systems.
Spoiler alert: the experience is extraordinarily entertaining. The deceleration is equally thrilling, given that the engineers have fully exploited the twin-turbochargers. Anyone who appreciates the aggressive acoustics of turbochargers is in for a genuine treat.
The cost of Ferrari ownership and the price of Ferrari racing programs are significant considerations for potential buyers. While the manufacturer remains somewhat guarded about exact figures, sources indicate that entry into the Ferrari Challenge is substantial. The race car itself is reportedly less expensive than its road-going counterpart, primarily due to differences in registration tax. However, this does not imply affordability. Rumours suggest that the budget required for a full season is substantial, positioning the Ferrari Challenge primarily for amateur drivers rather than professional racers. The manufacturer anticipated 18–20 cars on the grid for the inaugural 2025 season, with the majority of places already filled.
Thankfully, at least from my perspective, the sanitisation of the driving experience is confined to low-speed scenarios. Once navigating faster, more demanding roads, there is no ambiguity—you are undeniably driving a Ferrari. The road surface is felt acutely. For a purist with a background in racing, this offers an unparalleled experience.
One word of caution: when engineers describe the steering as “direct,” they are being entirely literal. While manoeuvring through traffic on open roads is manageable, extreme care is essential when attempting to avoid potholes on the highway. A slight miscalculation could result in an unintended lane change.
The Cost of Performance: Ferrari Ownership and Racing Budget
The cost of owning a Ferrari is not the sole financial barrier for prospective enthusiasts. The cost of Ferrari racing programs also presents a significant consideration. While Ferrari maintains discretion regarding exact figures, it is understood that entry into the Ferrari Challenge involves a substantial investment. The race car itself is typically priced lower than its road-going counterpart, primarily due to tax implications. However, this does not suggest affordability. Sources indicate that the budget required for a full season is substantial, positioning the Ferrari Challenge primarily for amateur drivers rather than professional racers. The manufacturer anticipated 18–20 cars on the grid for the inaugural 2025 season, with the majority of places already filled.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest?
For the average buyer considering an exotic sports car, the average price of a Ferrari places it far beyond the reach of typical budgets. However, for those with the financial capacity, the decision to buy a Ferrari is not just about transportation; it’s about investing in a legacy of engineering and design.
Mistakes to Avoid That Could Cost You Money:
Overextending on a Loan: Avoid taking out a mortgage or loan that stretches your finances too thin. With high mortgage rates, securing financing for a non-essential luxury like a Ferrari can strain your ability to manage everyday living costs.
Underestimating Insurance Costs: Ferrari insurance cost is notoriously high. A comprehensive policy on a V12 Ferrari could easily exceed the average car insurance premium by 5–10 times. Always budget for this substantial annual expense.
Ignoring Maintenance Costs: Ferrari maintenance cost can be staggering. A standard oil change might cost upwards of $1,000, while major engine repairs can run into five or six figures. Always factor this into your long-term budget.
With Ferrari, the overarching philosophy centres on the experience. This principle is clearly extended to the new Ferrari Challenge. Ferrari Challenge Australasia is essentially an expansion of the Club Challenge programme that has been active in Australia since 2022.
Ferrari Club Challenge and Elite Experiences
The Club Challenge provides customers with the opportunity to purchase a Challenge race car—predominantly the 488 Evo model up to this point—and participate in track days offering expert coaching and technical support, alongside the level of hospitality expected by Ferrari customers.
Similar to its established regional counterparts in Europe, North America, the UK, and Japan, Australia will now feature the next level of Ferrari’s “clienti” programme: a dedicated, manufacturer-supported, one-make racing series. This initiative does not target existing professional racing drivers, such as those competing in GT World Challenge Australia, Carrera Cup, or the myriad of other categories in this country. Instead, Ferrari aims to attract new talent to the market.
The primary enticement is the brand-new 296 Challenge, which, as expected, is visually stunning. Given that this represents the third generation of Challenge vehicles, following the 458 and 488 models, refinement is the key differentiator.
For instance, the previous V8-powered versions were prone to understeer—a common characteristic in vehicles designed for amateur drivers. However, through the implementation of an s-duct at the front and swan-neck mounts on the rear wing, Ferrari has successfully increased overall downforce and shifted the aerodynamic balance forward. This enhances grip without rendering the vehicle excessively difficult to handle.
2024 Ferrari 296 GTS
A new braking package offers a significantly wider operating window, and the removal of the hybrid system facilitated the installation of an efficient air conditioning unit, improving driver comfort.
The first V6-powered Challenge car may lack the hybrid assistance of its road-going counterpart, but with revised exhaust tuning and other modifications, it still produces 700 horsepower—over 30 horsepower more than the isolated ICE output of the road car.
The overall outcome is a race car that is substantially faster than the 488 Challenge. The older model will remain eligible to compete in Ferrari Challenge Australasia, but will do so in a separate class due to the performance deficit.
Ferrari Challenge Calendar and Professional Support
Ferrari Challenge has announced its 2025 calendar.
The entire Ferrari Challenge programme is dealer-aligned. Customers wishing to go racing will purchase a new 296 Challenge from their trusted Ferrari
