Charles Leclerc 2026 F1 car concerns have come to the forefront after the Ferrari driver’s first extensive simulator session with next year’s prototype racer. Speaking ahead of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, Leclerc delivered a blunt assessment of the project, explaining that the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 car is “not the most enjoyable race car I’ve driven”.
Currently, Charles Leclerc is splitting his simulator efforts between Ferrari’s 2025 and 2026 models, as Formula 1 prepares for its most radical regulation change in years. With sweeping adjustments set to impact car size, weight, aerodynamics, and power units, teams are racing to get a jump start on development.
Leclerc is keenly aware of the challenge: “Next year is going to be super important. This year we’ve got a few things coming until the end of the season that are already planned. For next year everything is new, so you’ve got to think about it and that’s what we are obviously doing. It’s going to be crucial to be starting on the right foot next year. So we are working on that.”
When pressed on how the 2026 car feels, Charles Leclerc did not sugarcoat his feedback: “Let’s say it’s not the most enjoyable race car I’ve driven so far, but we are still in a moment where the project is relatively new.
“My hope relies on the fact that it will evolve quite a bit in the next few months, but I think it’s no secret that I think the regulations for next year are going to be a lot more… probably less enjoyable for drivers to drive,” Leclerc said.
“So, I’m not a big fan of it for now, but it’s the way it is. There’s a challenge and I would like the challenge of maximising a very different car to what it is at the moment. But do I enjoy it? Probably not.”
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Leclerc Calls for Big Step Forward in 2026 Car Development
Charles Leclerc currently sits fifth in the Formula 1 drivers’ standings, trailing Oscar Piastri by 94 points as Ferrari chases improved performance. With the team already facing a challenging season, Leclerc’s lukewarm response to the 2026 prototype highlights the task ahead for the Maranello squad.
Even as he airs his concerns, Leclerc is determined to embrace the engineering challenge: “There’s a challenge and I would like the challenge of maximising a very different car to what it is at the moment. But do I enjoy it? Probably not.”
The introduction of smaller, lighter cars, aggressive power unit changes, and active aerodynamics for 2026 is expected to redefine the on-track product. Engineers and drivers must work together to ensure performance and drivability are not sacrificed for the sake of meeting new technical requirements.
Leclerc’s remarks reflect the current uncertainty as teams and drivers grapple with unfamiliar machinery. “So, I’m not a big fan of it for now, but it’s the way it is,” Leclerc admitted.
Ferrari Duo Ready to Tackle F1 2026 Challenge
Looking ahead, Leclerc stressed the importance of teamwork within Ferrari, especially with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton joining as his teammate. Leclerc believes both drivers’ input will be vital to extracting the most from the new car.
“I’m not concerned at all because it’s always a big talking point outside the team, but within the team, we’ve got all the tools to adapt a car to my way in terms of driving style or to Lewis’s style,” Leclerc said.
“So I don’t think that’s the problem, and I just want the fastest car possible next year. That’s exactly what Lewis wants, and then wherever we are next year, then I’ll set up the car in a way that I like, and Lewis will do just the same.”
He continued, “I’m really not worried about it. I think we are in a time where now in Formula 1, the engineers and where the technology is at, we just need the fastest car. We just put the fastest car on track, and then we’ve got all the freedom available.
“It’s not like back in 10 or 15 years ago where you were a bit stuck into a corner in terms of balance and you didn’t have the tools to make the car go faster. Now we do have those tools, so I’m definitely not worried.”
While the new era of Formula 1 promises plenty of intrigue and innovation, Leclerc’s honest take serves as a reminder that progress is not always seamless—and that the ultimate test will come when the lights go out for the 2026 season opener.
