Leclerc still searching for the right balance in the SF-26
Charles Leclerc has not yet found the optimal rhythm with the Ferrari SF-26. The challenge stems from the driving style required for the 2026 Formula 1 cars, which is very different from recent years. With untapped strengths and energy management issues, Leclerc needs to take a step forward. That’s why the Monegasque has been focusing on simulator work. His goal? To achieve a tangible improvement behind the wheel in time for the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend.
Hamilton adapts better to the 2026 F1 cars
Early in the season, much is being said about Lewis Hamilton leading Ferrari. The British driver seems to have regained his edge, something that appeared to be missing. The 2026 car is not inherently better than its predecessor, but it suits Lewis’ driving style more effectively. First of all, the SF-26 is a clear step up from the 2025 car—everyone agrees on that.
Secondly, driving style has changed. There is no longer a need to rely on the “late braking attack”; instead, drivers brake earlier to recharge the battery. Success now depends on the delicate balance between harvesting and energy deployment—a critical area where Mercedes has dominated, at least for the moment. This scenario appears to play to Lewis’ strengths.
Or more precisely: it doesn’t challenge him under braking. It’s true that the SF-25 was difficult to manage in braking zones. But the 2026 car seems more forgiving. Not being forced to extract maximum performance in the initial phase of the corner benefits Hamilton. He feels more comfortable and has regained the rhythm he never found with the 2025 car.
Leclerc struggling to find the right feeling with the SF-26
The situation is almost the opposite for Leclerc. Those familiar with Charles know that one of his greatest strengths is braking—arguably his best asset, according to engineers who work with him on track. Not being able to exploit it fully clearly limits his performance and prevents him from showing his true potential in this area.
There’s more: Charles doesn’t particularly enjoy the new Formula 1, similar to Max Verstappen. Beyond their individual talent, both share the same opinion about the new cars. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur has openly acknowledged this, highlighting the difficulties Leclerc has encountered: “I’m not sure these cars suit his style,” he said.
Watching onboard footage from the first two race weekends, it’s easy to see why. Charles still struggles to make the impact he wants, which limits his results. Vasseur adds an interesting point: “He’s working on it,” referring especially to issues encountered in China—a circuit that, by Leclerc’s own admission, he has never really liked.
Leclerc’s work to improve his SF-26 feeling
Finding the right balance for an F1 driver in modern cars is challenging. The instinct is to push the accelerator, but energy management is critical. Pressing too hard at the wrong moments is ineffective; hybrid system management is key. This is why Leclerc has been studying simulator work to optimize performance, which he hasn’t yet fully achieved given his natural driving style.
Ferrari has also updated the software, not just to maximize energy use over a lap, but to improve harmony with the driver—a feeling that Charles has yet to fully develop. Suzuka will be an important test in this regard, as it features few heavy braking zones, allowing him to focus on balance and consistency.
We expect Charles to make a step forward after recent simulator work, enhancing his chemistry with the hybrid system and the Italian car in general. There is no alarm for the Monegasque, who is ready to return to the track and compete at the top. At the Japanese Grand Prix, we should already see an upward step, aiming to be competitive from the very first practice session. This is the target.
Charles Leclerc’s path back to the top of the Ferrari hierarchy therefore involves unlearning some of his most successful habits to master the 2026 energy management puzzle. Based on the content of his simulator data, the upcoming Suzuka weekend will be the first real indicator of whether he has successfully adapted his “braking magic” to the new hybrid era.
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