Follow usCharles Leclerc warned Ferrari that failing to master Formula 1’s upcoming technical changes could send the team into “four very long years” without success.
From 2026, the sport will implement radically different rulebook, eliminating DRS, introducing major aerodynamic changes, and mandating a 50/50 split between combustion and electric power. The regulations are expected to redefine the way cars are racing, forcing teams to adapt quickly or risk being left behind.
Leclerc, who was initially skeptical after his first simulator laps, admitted his outlook has become more positive as development has progressed.
“The rate of improvement is very impressive, I think for all the teams,” the Monegasque said. “Obviously, there are big, big gains found every week. So, since the last time I actually commented that, it’s definitely gone for better, and that is a good thing.”
Even so, Leclerc stressed that the new cars will pose challenges for drivers, particularly in wheel-to-wheel combat.
“I still think that it’s going to be a huge change, and there will be some things that I think are going to be very difficult to change, and we’ll just have to adapt to these new cars. And also the way we will fight is going to be very tricky.”
The Ferrari driver summed up the stakes in blunt terms: “I’m sure that if we win, I will absolutely love those regulations. If we don’t, then it might be four very long years.”
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