Charles Leclerc has raised a serious concern about the behaviour of Formula 1’s new-generation cars in wet conditions, warning that there are situations in which drivers do not have full control over either the car or the power delivered by the Power Unit. The Ferrari driver made the comments after the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, where the first major wet-weather test of the 2026 regulations produced chaos and renewed debate over how much control drivers actually have.
A disastrous wet-weather test for the 2026 F1 cars
There had been considerable curiosity throughout the Formula 1 paddock over how the cars created under the 2026 technical regulations would behave in rain and on a wet circuit. Malaysia provided the first significant answer, and it was far from encouraging.
The chaos that unfolded during the formation lap before the first attempted start was unprecedented in Formula 1 history and triggered embarrassment and controversy. The unusual conditions at Sepang formed part of an already demanding weekend, with the wider event context available in the 2026 Bahrain GP at Sepang guide.
During the post-race press conference, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compared what happened on track — with several cars being stopped by extraordinary software problems — to Lego racing. However, the two world champions were not the only drivers to voice criticism.
Speaking to Sky Sport F1 after Sunday’s race, Charles Leclerc raised a more specific warning that revived a debate already heard earlier in the season: how much control drivers truly have over these new cars. The Ferrari driver’s comments are particularly significant because they concern not simply performance, but the interaction between software, Power Unit delivery and the driver’s ability to manage the car.
Charles Leclerc warns drivers do not always have full control
Asked whether the 2026 cars could be driven safely in wet conditions, Charles Leclerc acknowledged that they could, but stressed that risks remained.
“There are definitely risks. They can be driven, yes. But there are risks: what we don’t like, and I think it’s the same for all drivers, is that there are situations where we don’t have control of the car and the power we receive from the Power Unit,” Charles Leclerc said.
The concern is not entirely new, given the increasingly pervasive role of software in managing the new-generation Formula 1 cars. However, the clarity of the Ferrari driver’s warning gives the issue additional weight, particularly after the problems witnessed in Malaysia.
The comments also reinforce the importance of understanding how the 2026 regulations are affecting the relationship between driver input, software management and Power Unit behaviour, an area that remains central to Ferrari technical analysis as teams continue developing their new cars.
FIA and Formula 1 face pressure to reduce the risks
Charles Leclerc’s concern goes beyond whether the cars are simply capable of circulating on a wet track. The key issue is that, in certain situations, drivers may not have complete control over the power being delivered to them, creating a level of uncertainty that they do not want to face behind the wheel.
The hope is that the corrective measures already approved by the FIA and Formula 1 for 2027 will at least help reduce and contain these risks. After what happened at Sepang, the subject of driver control over the new cars is likely to remain an important part of the discussion surrounding the 2026 technical regulations.
For further coverage of the Monegasque driver’s season and comments from within the team, the latest updates are available in the Charles Leclerc Ferrari news section.
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