Charles Leclerc warns over wet-weather risks with 2026 F1 cars: “We are more passengers than drivers”. Charles Leclerc has raised concerns about racing in wet conditions with the 2026 F1 cars.

Uncertainty surrounding the weather looms large over the Miami Grand Prix weekend, with the possibility of rain raising serious concerns among drivers, particularly given the characteristics of the 2026 Formula 1 cars.

What the Ferrari driver said

The Miami weekend gets underway today with an extended 90-minute free practice session, specifically designed to allow teams and drivers to evaluate the latest regulatory changes related to energy management. Following that, drivers will immediately be pushed into action with Sprint Qualifying, which will set the grid for Saturday’s Sprint race.

However, it is Sunday that remains under the spotlight when it comes to weather concerns. Forecasts suggest that rain could play a significant role, and memories are still fresh from last year, when conditions around the Hard Rock Stadium circuit offered a clear demonstration of just how challenging and, at times, undriveable the track can become in wet conditions.

Charles Leclerc did not hide his concerns regarding race dynamics in the wet with the 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars, pointing out how unusual and potentially dangerous these conditions can be.

“I think the strange thing about these cars in the wet is that you can actually end up going much faster at the end of the straights compared to the dry. Using less battery means you don’t have the usual drops in power. It’s a bit strange and counterintuitive. The problem is that, with poor visibility and different engine strategies, you can find yourself in difficult situations. In the rain, we are more passengers than drivers. You go flat out and expect the car ahead to be going at the same speed, but now with these cars that is no longer the case,” Charles Leclerc explained.

With visibility already compromised in wet conditions and the added complexity introduced by varying energy deployment strategies, drivers could face unpredictable closing speeds and heightened risks. As a result, the Miami Grand Prix could present one of the most challenging tests yet for the new-era Formula 1 machinery if rain does indeed arrive on race day.

In summary, Charles Leclerc has voiced serious safety concerns regarding the unpredictable nature of 2026 power delivery during wet sessions, emphasizing that the combination of high straight-line speeds and poor visibility in Miami could leave drivers feeling more like passengers than being in full control of their cars.