Charles Leclerc has revealed he remains “open-minded” about the 2026 Formula 1 cars, as debate over the technical and power unit regulations rumbles on.
The introduction of new cars for the 2026 season has brought with with a wave of controversy, as the reliance of battery power has led to not driving flat out often proving the quickest way around a lap.
Max Verstappen caused a stir during pre-season testing, labelling the new cars and regulations “Formula E on steroids” given the near-50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, which led to cars decelerating on the straights.
Measures implemented for Miami helped the situation, but further changes are planned for 2027 and 2028 to shift the split to 60:40. For the rest of this season however, the cars remain as they are.
Leclerc has given further insight into the complexity of the power units, highlighting what he called the “variables” that can affect performance.
“I think it really depends also on the power unit and the way everything is set up,” he said.
“That’s why it’s so difficult with these cars. There are so many different variables that it’s not like in the past where you could look at the data and say, “This is clearly where I’m losing, this is clearly what I’ve got to change with my driving.” If you are changing your driving, but the programming is going the other way, you end up being a lot worse than what you were at first.
“So there are many different variables.”
Charles Leclerc 2026 cars verdict
Elaborating on his point, Leclerc confirmed that his own struggles with Ferrari’s SF-26 only ended after making extensive changes across multiple races.
“I think you’ve got to be very open-minded.
“I started the season being very at ease with the car and very strong with the car. I’ve had Monaco and Montreal where I’ve been struggling a lot with this car, and then it came back a little bit after changing quite a few things.
“But I don’t think that it’s black and white so much with these cars. There are many different variables, and to understand the full implications when you are a little bit off is a lot more difficult than it seems.
“I don’t particularly agree that being super aggressive with these cars works, at least not with our car, but it might do for another car.”
Leclerc’s insight into the technical regulations highlights the extremely narrow margins within which the cars must operate under these new rules.
The drivers will continue to face issues for the rest of the season, with the battle likely to be won by whoever adapts best.
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