Charles Leclerc shares mixed verdict on F1 2026 cars after Suzuka. Charles Leclerc gives a balanced verdict on the 2026 F1 cars.

The Ferrari driver is split when it comes to the sensations delivered by the 2026 Formula 1 cars.

The Ferrari driver’s view

Charles Leclerc was quite clear at the end of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, expressing his frustration over team radio regarding the 2026 Formula 1 cars. According to the Monegasque driver, it is currently impossible for drivers to push flat out even in a qualifying lap — a discipline in which he has always excelled.

However, Charles Leclerc’s judgment of the 2026 cars changes when it comes to race conditions. The current generation of cars has been described as highly entertaining by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, and the on-track action in Japan reinforced that view. At Suzuka, there was also the first major incident triggered by the speed difference between a car in energy-saving mode and another running at full power.

Speaking in the post-race press conference, the Monegasque driver was asked to give an overall assessment of this new generation of Formula 1 cars, which has now completed its first three Grands Prix on very different types of circuits.

“With these cars we have to race in a different way, there’s no doubt about that,” said Charles Leclerc. “And the superclipping issue is definitely something that needs to be considered, more on the defending car than the attacking one. I learned that the hard way in Australia, there were several tricky situations in the battle with George Russell. Whether we need to change everything for the race, I don’t know — I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. I talk with all the drivers and I’d say we’re pretty much split in half.”

“As for the race, I like these cars. I think for qualifying there are definitely changes we need to make so that we can push these cars to the limit without having to think too much about energy.” – the Ferrari driver concluded.

Charles Leclerc therefore enjoys the tactical chess match of the 2026 races, but he fears the sport is losing the magic of the “perfect lap.” Based on his comments, the upcoming FIA meetings in April will be crucial for deciding if the Saturday format can be saved from the constraints of the 50/50 power split.