Jonas Leo
The Monegasque driver, Charles Leclerc, has articulated a significantly more positive outlook regarding the forthcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars, describing them as "super interesting" after his initial dry-track experience with Ferrari’s developmental SF-26 mule car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This shift in sentiment marks a notable departure from his earlier reservations expressed after simulator trials.
Leclerc’s evolving perspective comes as Formula 1 prepares for a monumental overhaul of its technical regulations, set to introduce a new generation of power units and chassis designs. These changes are poised to fundamentally alter car performance characteristics and driving demands. The 2026 regulations mandate a 50% split between internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrical power, a dramatic increase in reliance on the hybrid component compared to the current era. The removal of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat) and a cap on fuel flow will see the ICE power output drop from around 550-560kW to 400kW, while the electrical power will surge from 120kW to 350kW. This necessitates sophisticated energy management strategies, a key area of focus for teams and drivers.
Beyond the power units, the 2026 cars will also be smaller and lighter, with a reduction in weight by 30 kilograms, a shorter wheelbase (3400mm from 3600mm), and a narrower width (1900mm from 2000mm). Aerodynamic innovations, including active front and rear wings, will also be introduced to reduce drag on straights and increase downforce in corners, aiming to foster closer racing and diminish the impact of "dirty air." Furthermore, the sport is committed to using 100% sustainable fuels, aligning with its broader environmental objectives.
Leclerc’s initial assessment of the conceptual 2026 car, following simulator sessions in July, had been notably cautious. At that time, he conveyed concerns over the car’s driveability and the intensive energy management it would require. "Let’s say it’s not the most enjoyable race car I’ve driven so far," Leclerc stated after his virtual experience with an early developmental iteration of the SF-26. He added, "My hope relies in 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 is going to be probably less enjoyable to drive. So yeah, I’m not a big fan of it for now." These comments underscored the apprehension within the driver community regarding the radical shifts in driving style and car behaviour anticipated by the new rules. The simulator, while an invaluable tool, can sometimes present an exaggerated or incomplete representation of a car’s real-world dynamics, particularly in the nascent stages of development.
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However, the transition from simulated data to tangible on-track experience appears to have alleviated some of Leclerc’s prior anxieties. Ferrari’s intensive shakedown programme in Barcelona saw Leclerc complete a substantial 89 laps on Thursday afternoon, marking his first dry-track outing in the SF-26. This followed a half-day session in largely wet conditions on Tuesday, which provided a different set of challenges and data points. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2025, also contributed significantly to the data gathering, completing 85 laps during Thursday morning’s session, highlighting the Scuderia’s comprehensive approach to 2026 development. Hamilton’s early integration into these test programmes offers Ferrari a unique advantage, allowing their future driver to contribute to the car’s conceptual development well in advance of his official arrival.
Reflecting on his experience after Thursday’s running, Leclerc’s tone was markedly more enthusiastic. "It’s super interesting," he affirmed. "It’s the first day for me in the car in normal conditions, so a lot to learn, a lot to discover and it’s a very different car to what we’ve been driving since I arrived in Formula 1." The Monegasque driver, who debuted in Formula 1 in 2018 and has been with Ferrari since 2019, has experienced several regulation cycles, but none as transformative as the upcoming 2026 changes. His driving style, often lauded for its precision and aggressive qualifying pace, will undoubtedly be tested by the demands of the new machinery.
Leclerc embraced the inherent challenges posed by the new design, viewing it as an opportunity for innovative thinking. "I take that as a challenge and I actually quite like that everything is new and then there might be an opportunity for us drivers to think outside the box," he elaborated. The adaptability of drivers will be a critical factor in mastering the new cars, which will require a refined approach to throttle application, braking, and especially energy deployment. The significantly higher electrical power component will introduce a more complex dynamic, demanding greater finesse and strategic management throughout a race stint.
"I definitely feel more and more comfortable," Leclerc continued, indicating a rapid acclimatisation to the new platform. "It remains an F1 car as well in a way, it’s not like I was completely lost when I got back into the car and I was at ease quite quickly. With these new systems and obviously with 50% of the power that comes from the electrical engine, it makes it quite a bit more challenging to manage that, so the learning curve is quite steep. But it’s very interesting." This "steep learning curve" is a common theme whenever significant regulatory changes are introduced, requiring drivers and engineers to collectively redefine the optimal approach to extracting performance.
Ferrari’s commitment to early and extensive development of the 2026 car underscores their ambition to return to championship contention. The Scuderia finished second in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship, a significant improvement from previous seasons but still behind the dominant Red Bull Racing. With Leclerc securing fifth in the Drivers’ standings, the team is acutely aware of the need to capitalise on major regulation shifts to gain a competitive edge. The SF-26 serves as a crucial testbed, allowing engineers to gather real-world data on component reliability, aerodynamic concepts, and the integration of the complex hybrid power unit, all while providing invaluable feedback from their top drivers.
The testing programme in Barcelona is part of a week-long shakedown, with Ferrari continuing its runs on Friday. Leclerc noted that the team’s "checklist is massive," indicating the extensive scope of testing required to validate new systems and explore different setup configurations. "In terms of performance, I have no idea where we are and it’s just a huge question mark," he admitted, highlighting the early stage of development where raw pace is not the primary focus. "But in terms of checklists of the things we wanted to go through, we kind of are on time with our programme, so that’s good." The systematic approach involves testing various parameters, from suspension settings to the nuanced management of the new hybrid powertrain.
Ferrari is not alone in its early 2026 development efforts. Other major constructors, including Mercedes and Aston Martin, have also commenced testing of their own 2026 mule cars, signalling the intensity of the developmental race already underway. Mercedes recently conducted its own reliable shakedown, while Aston Martin made an overdue debut for their development car. This pre-season activity underscores the critical importance teams place on understanding and adapting to the radical changes well in advance of the 2026 season.
The journey to the 2026 F1 season remains long and arduous, with countless hours of design, simulation, and on-track testing still ahead. However, Charles Leclerc’s increasingly favourable view of the challenging new cars offers an encouraging sign for Ferrari and suggests that the bold regulatory changes might indeed deliver a "super interesting" era for Formula 1.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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