Is Ferrari hiding its true 2026 pace? Charles Leclerc talks title goals and start-line advantages. Charles Leclerc shares his thoughts on Ferrari’s SF-26 during the final Bahrain pre-season tests.

Charles Leclerc spoke during a press conference about the SF-26 project, sharing his views on Ferrari’s competitiveness and the performances shown by other top teams so far.

The thoughts of #16

We are now in the final stages of pre-season testing, with just over a day to go before we see the cars in action at the first race of the season in Australia. Despite minor issues with the SF-26, Ferrari continues to work hard to complete its planned test program. Charles Leclerc has analyzed what has been achieved so far and the competitiveness demonstrated on track by the various top teams.

It will be the Monegasque who concludes Ferrari’s Bahrain pre-season tests. Yesterday, only Lewis Hamilton was on track, completing less than ten laps in the morning session due to issues with the SF-26. On the final day, we will see only Charles Leclerc on track, who hopes to fight this season for the long-awaited championship he has been chasing for years.

Leclerc’s impressions on competitiveness

“I think it’s definitely too early to say anything now. I believe everyone is keeping their true pace hidden, and everyone is trying to suggest that another team is faster. That’s why I’m not really sure where we stand. But so far we’ve had three relatively trouble-free days. We’ve tested most of the things we wanted. So I think it’s a great preparation for the first race. As for performance, however, we’ll have to wait and see the first qualifying sessions.”

The Monegasque driver has therefore not made any predictions regarding the performance of the various teams, which is natural since no team has yet revealed its full potential. Questions remain, although Mercedes appears to be the favorite, especially following the FIA’s recent decision on the Anglo-German power unit.

Despite this, Ferrari is working effectively, as shown by the innovations that are impressing the paddock. Moreover, the Scuderia could also have an advantage at the start, where other teams are experiencing difficulties. Charles Leclerc commented on this advantage: “We’re a bit ahead in this area, and I’m happy about that because, as you know, in Australia, as in every race, winning or losing depends heavily on a good or bad start. That said, I think we should be on the better side of the grid.”

Of course, in Australia Ferrari will need to confirm the positive signs shown so far. The team has impressed during testing, but no predictions can be made before Melbourne. We will see how the tests conclude, and only then can the first judgments be made, even though the truth will be revealed in Australia.

Charles Leclerc therefore remains grounded yet confident in the Ferrari SF-26 project, emphasizing that while true performance remains hidden, the team’s reliable preparation and specific technical advantages at the start line could provide the edge needed for a successful 2026 season opener.