Charles Leclerc has recently drawn attention to the risks linked to Formula 1’s new regulations, speaking openly about “dangerous situations” in wheel-to-wheel battles. The Monegasque driver has joined the growing group of drivers who, ahead of key FIA meetings taking place this week, have raised concrete concerns regarding safety.
“With these cars we have to race differently, there is no doubt about that,” the Ferrari driver told the media, acknowledging how the new technical regulations have forced a radical change in driving approach.
Meanwhile, during the FIA meetings, which include the F1 Commission, FOM, teams and engine manufacturers, all stakeholders are working to identify possible adjustments ahead of the return to racing on the first weekend of May in Miami. The key date is April 20, when a vote is scheduled that could also lead to significant regulatory changes.
The concerns became clearly visible during the Japanese Grand Prix, which featured a particularly dangerous episode: Oliver Bearman hit the barriers at Spoon with an impact of 50G after finding Franco Colapinto in front of him during a superclipping phase, with a speed difference of around 50 km/h. Forced to avoid contact, the British driver went onto the grass before spinning.
This warning sign had already been confirmed by Carlos Sainz, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, who stated in Suzuka: “It was only a matter of time before an incident like this happened. With these approach speeds, sometimes it doesn’t even feel like racing.”
Charles Leclerc himself later used his battles with George Russell in Australia during the opening race as an example: “There were some pretty complicated moments. The situation will improve, but at the moment it is difficult.”
Despite the concerns, the Ferrari driver clarified that the issues are more evident in qualifying than in the race, also suggesting a certain divide within the paddock regarding the extent of the necessary interventions: “In qualifying we need to be able to push without thinking too much about energy management. In the race, however, I think we mainly need to adapt ourselves, especially in defence.”
“If we need to change everything, I don’t know. To be honest, I like these cars in the race.”
This balanced take from Charles Leclerc reflects the complexity of the current F1 landscape, where the push for sustainable technology meets the traditional demands of high-speed competition. As the FIA prepares for its final vote on April 20, the focus remains on ensuring that safety remains paramount without sacrificing the wheel-to-wheel excitement that fans expect from the pinnacle of motorsport.
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