Leclerc: 2026 F1 car not the most enjoyable race car I've driven

Leclerc has been splitting his Ferrari simulator time in half between the current car and the one for 2026, which is built around a totally overhauled set of power unit and chassis regulations.

Much has been written about the new-for-2026 F1 machinery that will have less ground effect and moveable aero parts, while their power units will produce power from an Internal Combustion Engine and an electrical component on a 50-50 basis.

There have been concerns about the speed of the cars and that they will run out of electrical power at the end of the straights on power-sensitive tracks, with changes suggested to electrical power deployment in order to keep enough juice in the batteries towards the end of a long straight.

But for now, this is what F1 and drivers have to deal with, as we are yet to know how the rules will evolve beyond 2026.

Facing the media during the buildup of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, Leclerc was asked about the 2026 cars and regulations; he said: "Next year is going to be super important.

"This year we've got a few things coming until the end of the season that are already planned. For next year everything is new, so you've got to think about it, and that's what we are obviously doing.

"It's going to be crucial to be starting on the right foot next year. So we are working on that," the Monegasque added.

But when pushed to provide his impressions regarding the 2026 car based on what he has experienced in the simulator, the Ferrari driver tried to be diplomatic with his answer.

Avoiding saying the car was rubbish, he explained: "Let’s say 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.

"My hope relies on 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 are going to be a lot more... probably less enjoyable for drivers to drive.

"So, I’m not a big fan of it for now, but it's the way it is. There’s a challenge and I would like the challenge of maximizing a very different car to what it is at the moment. But do I enjoy it? Probably not," Leclerc concluded.

However, at the moment, Leclerc would be worried about the state of affairs related to Ferrari's current F1 season as they struggle with their SF-25 while the rumor mill surrounding team boss Fred Vasseur has been in full swing. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)