As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, drivers and teams are already feeling the pressure of the upcoming big changes. Charles Leclerc, a leading Ferrari driver, has shared his honest thoughts about the new 2026 cars, revealing some concerns about how the vehicles feel to drive and what might be expected in the near future.
Leclerc’s Honest Opinion on the New Car
Charles Leclerc is currently sitting in fifth place in the driver standings but is not entirely satisfied with Ferrari’s performance this season. Recently, he revealed how much time he spends working on both his current car and the new 2026 model in the simulator. He said that he spends about half his time on this year's car and the other half on the upcoming one, which is a very different challenge for drivers.
Leclerc admitted that the 2026 car is not very fun to drive right now. He explained that the regulations for the next season are making it harder to enjoy racing. He added that the car is still new, and he expects it to improve a lot in the coming months. Still, he is honest about his current feelings and said that the 2026 car is less enjoyable for drivers compared to past models.
He also mentioned that the regulations are making the cars less fun for drivers in general. Despite that, he sees this as a challenge. He wants to work hard and help develop the car to make it better. Leclerc hopes that with improvements, the car will become more exciting and competitive soon.
Teamwork and Confidence Moving Forward
Leclerc’s teammate, Lewis Hamilton, has also faced difficulties this season, but Leclerc remains confident that both of them can work well together. He believes the most important thing is to build the fastest possible car for next year. He said that the engineers now have more tools and options than before to improve the car’s performance.
Leclerc emphasized that the team can adjust the car to suit both his and Hamilton’s driving styles. This flexibility is very different from the past, when cars had fewer options for setup changes. He feels sure that working closely with engineers and using new technology will help them make the car faster and more fun to drive in 2026.
He also pointed out that currently the focus is on creating a car that can perform well at the start of next season. The team wants to be ready to compete right away, and Leclerc is determined to be part of this process. He believes that patience and teamwork are key to overcoming the challenges posed by the new regulations.
Leclerc’s honest comments reflect the reality that the upcoming F1 season will be very different. While the new cars might not be as enjoyable initially, the goal is to develop them into machines that deliver high speed and excitement. Fans will be watching closely to see how Ferrari handles these changes and whether Leclerc and his team can turn their concerns into victories.
In summary, Leclerc’s insights reveal the hurdles and hopes facing F1 drivers as they prepare for the 2026 changes. His openness about current frustrations shows how serious teams are about improving their cars. The road to a new era in Formula 1 might be challenging, but it also offers exciting opportunities for technological progress and competitive racing.
