Charles Leclerc will be among the Formula 1 drivers facing the media on Thursday ahead of the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The Ferrari driver has been placed in the second press conference group and will appear alongside Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and Racing Bulls representative Liam Lawson.
The session is scheduled to begin at 15:00 local time on Thursday, July 16, as the Belgian Grand Prix weekend officially gets underway. The Monegasque’s appearance is expected to attract considerable attention, with questions likely to focus on Ferrari’s current level of performance, the demands of the Spa circuit and the team’s targets for one of the most challenging events on the Formula 1 calendar.
Leclerc joined by Antonelli and Lawson
Sharing the press conference with Charles Leclerc will be Kimi Antonelli and Liam Lawson, bringing together three drivers facing very different situations during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Their presence should provide an interesting contrast between Ferrari’s ambitions, Mercedes’ development and Racing Bulls’ efforts to maximize its opportunities in the midfield.
Spa-Francorchamps often generates a wide range of talking points before any car has even taken to the track. Its long straights, dramatic elevation changes and unpredictable weather make setup choices particularly difficult, while the Belgian circuit also places major demands on aerodynamic efficiency, power unit deployment and driver confidence.
For Charles Leclerc, the media session will offer an early opportunity to outline Ferrari’s expectations before the first practice session. The Monegasque driver may also be asked about how the car is expected to perform through high-speed sections like Eau Rouge, Raidillon and the middle sector, where stability and aerodynamic balance are essential.
Max Verstappen included in the earlier media group
The first driver press conference group will begin at 14:30 local time and will feature Esteban Ocon, Max Verstappen and Alex Albon. Verstappen’s appearance is also likely to generate significant interest ahead of a race where Red Bull’s straight-line efficiency and high-speed performance could once again become important factors.
Ocon will represent Haas, while Albon will speak on behalf of Williams. Both teams will be hoping the unusual demands of Spa-Francorchamps create opportunities to challenge higher up the order, especially if changing weather conditions disrupt the normal competitive hierarchy.
Ferrari enters an important weekend at Spa
The Belgian Grand Prix represents another important test for Ferrari because Spa exposes weaknesses that may be less visible at conventional circuits. A competitive car must combine strong top speed with enough downforce for the fast and technical middle sector, while tyre management and electrical energy deployment can also influence both qualifying and race performance.
Charles Leclerc’s Thursday press conference will therefore provide the first indications of Ferrari’s mood heading into the weekend. Although drivers generally avoid making firm predictions before practice, his comments could reveal whether the Maranello team expects Spa to suit the car or whether the focus will instead be on limiting potential weaknesses and maximizing every available opportunity.
With Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli and Liam Lawson scheduled to speak together at 15:00, Thursday’s media session will offer an early preview of the main technical and sporting themes ahead of the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix.
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