Leclerc Expresses Concern Over 2026 Formula 1 Cars
In a recent statement, Charles Leclerc expressed reservations regarding the new Formula 1 cars slated for the 2026 season, describing them as “not the most enjoyable race car I’ve driven.” This reflection arises as he balances simulator work between the current 2025 model and the upcoming challenger at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters.
Leclerc shared that he allocates his simulator time evenly between the two models, emphasizing the significant regulatory changes for 2026. Currently, Leclerc sits fifth in the drivers’ championship, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by 94 points, amid Ferrari’s performance struggles this season.
“This year we’ve got a few things planned until the end of the season,” Leclerc noted, highlighting the importance of a strong start for the next season. He anticipated that the 2026 regulations might pose challenges to driver enjoyment: “My hope is that it will evolve quite a bit in the next few months, but I think the regulations… are probably less enjoyable for drivers to drive.”
Despite these concerns, Leclerc remained optimistic about collaborating with teammate Lewis Hamilton to address the team’s challenges. “We’ve got all the tools to adapt a car to my way in terms of driving style or to Lewis’s style,” he stated, reinforcing confidence in Ferrari’s engineering capabilities and the potential to maximize performance.
As the F1 landscape nears a seismic shift with the new regulations, Leclerc’s insights reflect ongoing adjustments and expectations within a rapidly evolving sport.
