Ferrari setup breakthrough? Charles Leclerc explains turnaround after Silverstone qualifying. Charles Leclerc regains confidence after key Ferrari setup change at Silverstone.

Charles Leclerc secures an impressive front-row start at Silverstone

Charles Leclerc delivered one of his strongest qualifying performances of the 2026 Formula 1 season by putting his Ferrari on the front row for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The Monegasque driver stopped the clock in 1:28.287, finishing just 0.175 seconds behind pole-sitter Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He also comfortably outqualified Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton, ending the session 0.172 seconds clear of the seven-time world champion.

A radical setup change unlocks Ferrari’s potential

Following the Sprint Race, in which he appeared frustrated with the balance of the SF-26, Charles Leclerc hinted that Ferrari was preparing a significant setup change ahead of qualifying.

Speaking to Canal+, the Ferrari driver explained:

“I have in mind a rather radical change. It’s quite a significant setup adjustment that I’m going to make for qualifying, but I’m fairly confident it can produce positive results. And if it does, I think it’s something we could apply at every circuit. So I just keep working. It takes time, but I’m giving it everything.”

The changes clearly paid off. The 28-year-old looked far more comfortable throughout qualifying and was able to extract the pace needed to secure a place on the front row alongside pole-sitter Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Leclerc: “I’ve finally got my feeling back”

After the session, the Ferrari driver confirmed that the setup changes had restored the confidence he had been searching for over the past few races.

“I’m happy. I’ve come through a few difficult races where I was struggling to find the right feeling with the car. It’s great to be back. Today is the first time I’ve fully regained that feeling, and that’s a positive sign. It’s a good step in the right direction.”

“At the moment we’re looking at everything, from my driving style to everything else, because recently I simply didn’t have the pace. I’m happy with P2.”

Charles Leclerc’s front-row result represents an encouraging sign for Ferrari, with the Maranello team hoping the setup breakthrough can be carried into future races as the battle at the front of the Formula 1 field continues.