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Charles Leclerc challenged by 'steep learning curve' with new Ferrari
Charles Leclerc has admitted there is a “steep learning curve” with
the new F1 cars for 2026, which have seen drastic changes from
their predecessors. This year's challengers have been fitted with
brand new power units which have changed for the first time in 12
years, while new aerodynamic regulations have also come into
effect. Leclerc and team-mate Lewis Hamilton took part in the
Barcelona shakedown this week, giving the team the first chance to
collect data on the SF-26. After facing wet conditions on Tuesday,
Leclerc had an opportunity to test the car in the dry on Thursday
for the first time before climbing back behind the wheel on Friday
morning. "It's super interesting," Leclerc said, assessing the new
car. "It was 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. “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.” One of the most significant changes relating to
the new power unit is the increase in electrical output, which now
matches the combustion engine. Leclerc acknowledged that adjusting
to that change has proven to be a challenge for him during the
week. "I definitely feel more and more comfortable,” he said. “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 per cent 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."
