Leclerc worried about less enjoyable 2026 F1 car performance

Charles Leclerc has expressed concerns about the 2026 Formula 1 cars — the Ferrari driver feels these new vehicles might be less enjoyable to drive.

The new regulations will introduce cars with lower downforce and higher drag — these characteristics will make cars slower in corners but feature different hybrid power distribution.

“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,” stated Leclerc during the Austrian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen has taken a neutral stance on these changes — the world champion choosing to wait and see the outcome.

Williams team principal James Vowles assured that car performance will improve over time — teams are still in development stages and no drivers have tested final models in simulators.

While concerns exist about energy deployment systems and overtaking capabilities, sporting regulations still allow FIA to make adjustments before the 2026 implementation.