Charles Leclerc, the rising star of Formula 1, has set off alarm bells with his concerns about the upcoming 2026 F1 season, labeling the new regulations as “just strange”. The Ferrari driver expressed his unease after testing the new car in the simulator, hinting that the changes might not be well-received by the drivers.
Leclerc’s early impressions of the 2026 cars were far from positive, stating, “Let’s say, it’s not the most enjoyable race car I’ve driven so far.” The Monegasque driver highlighted his worries about the reduced enjoyment for drivers under the new regulations, raising doubts about the racing spectacle and overtaking opportunities in the future.
The 2026 F1 season has been a topic of intense discussion and speculation, with concerns about the impact of the new regulations on the sport. Leclerc’s candid remarks have added fuel to the fire, with many questioning the direction in which Formula 1 is heading.
When asked about the challenges of driving the new car in the simulator, Leclerc pointed out the issues with both downforce and energy harvesting, emphasizing his struggles to envision the racing dynamics under the new rules. He mentioned, “It’s just strange, I just don’t imagine yet how racing will look like and how cool the overtaking will be next year with this new regulations.”
As the F1 community grapples with uncertainties surrounding the 2026 season, Leclerc’s concerns serve as a stark reminder of the potential hurdles that lie ahead. With the sport on the brink of a major transformation, all eyes are on how Formula 1 will navigate these uncharted waters and deliver thrilling racing action for fans worldwide.