Charles Leclerc clarifies 2026 Ferrari comments as he prepares for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, emphasizing that his concerns are about Formula 1‘s new rules and not Ferrari’s upcoming car. Leclerc, who spoke to the media on July 3 alongside other drivers, sought to provide context after remarks he made regarding the future direction of F1 regulations drew significant attention.
During the Austrian Grand Prix, Leclerc had previously shared his reservations after running simulations of the new cars set to debut in 2026. The Monegasque driver, aged 27, explained that he found the driving experience less appealing, but his comments were about the new rules rather than an indictment of Ferrari’s development.
When approached for further clarification, Leclerc insisted that his earlier statements were widely misinterpreted. He asserted his intent was to highlight the broad effects of the technical changes, not to single out Ferrari or suggest that the team was struggling with the development of their next-generation challenger.
“Oh, it’s so different that for sure I don’t confuse which car I’m driving. But to put back into context my comments that I did, it wasn’t really specific to our team, which I’ve seen did headlines saying that we are struggling or whatsoever. I was just meaning that the new direction for us drivers is a little bit less attractive and a little bit less nice to drive overall.”
Leclerc remains motivated by the complexities and unknowns posed by the 2026 car regulations, underlining his commitment to adapting to F1’s evolving landscape.
“But it’s the way it is. I still find the motivation in the challenge of making these new regs as fast as possible. If we are competitive, I’m sure that I will start to like it a lot more. If not, then I’ll probably hate it a lot. But I hope it won’t be the case,” Leclerc added.
Formula 1 is on the brink of another major shift, with the 2026 rules promising sweeping changes to car design and performance that will challenge established teams and drivers alike. The sport’s governing body has recently published wind tunnel time allocations, signaling that teams such as Scuderia Ferrari are ramping up their efforts to prepare a strong contender under the new framework.
Eyes on Silverstone: Leclerc’s Goals for the British Grand Prix
Reflecting on the upcoming contest at Silverstone, Charles Leclerc set out his ambitions for the British Grand Prix weekend. He noted a prevailing sense of optimism within Scuderia Ferrari as they arrive at the circuit, buoyed by recent improvements in their performance across the 2025 campaign.
Leclerc, who secured his fourth podium finish of the season at the Austrian Grand Prix, is aiming to contend for victory in the United Kingdom. He shared his perspective during the pre-race press conference, acknowledging the steady progress but pointing out that the ultimate goal remains race wins.
“Yeah. I mean, first of all, I think we are quite satisfied with the latest tendency. We are improving step by step. We are not fully satisfied yet because obviously the end target is to try and win races. But going into this race, I think it’s a race in the past where we were pretty competitive.”
“Lewis has always been exceptional here as well, so I hope we can have a great weekend and hopefully have a shot for victory. I mean, it’s been a long time since we last fought for victory, so I hope this weekend is the one,” he added.
Silverstone holds a strong place in recent Ferrari history, with the team’s former driver Carlos Sainz triumphing at the 2022 edition of the event. While Leclerc himself is yet to secure a win at this legendary British circuit, his quest is set against the backdrop of rival Lewis Hamilton’s dominance, with Hamilton holding a record nine victories and numerous podiums at his home Grand Prix.
Looking Forward: What the Changes Could Bring to Formula 1
The modifications to the regulations for 2026 mark a significant moment for Formula 1, impacting drivers, teams, and fans as the sport embarks on a new era. The adjustments in technical rules are expected to reshape what it means to drive at the highest level, demanding fresh strategies and adaptability from competitors such as Charles Leclerc and the entire Scuderia Ferrari organization. As Leclerc and his team prepare for the upcoming races and continue to adjust to ongoing developments, anticipation grows around how teams will interpret the new technical framework and which drivers will rise to new challenges on iconic tracks like Silverstone.
The coming British Grand Prix not only offers a renewed chance for Leclerc to achieve success at a famous venue but also serves as a preview for how leading drivers and teams might adapt as Formula 1’s rulebook enters a period of significant change. The outcome at Silverstone may offer early indications of whose strategies and approaches are best aligned with the demands of both the present season and the dramatic changes just over the horizon.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How Rich Is Charles Leclerc in 2025? As of 2025, Charles Leclerc’s net worth is estimated to be around $125 million. His fortune comes primarily from his lucrative contract with Ferrari, race winnings, and various sponsorship deals.
A. Sorry
Q. Does Charles Leclerc have a PhD?
A. Sorry