Charles Leclerc warns about the dangers of the 2026 F1 cars, pointing out worrying speed differences on track. As discussions with the FIA approach, safety becomes a central issue.
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Faced with growing concerns about the 2026 rules, Charles Leclerc sounds the alarm. The Ferrari driver points to risky scenarios on track, as the FIA prepares crucial discussions on the future of these single-seaters.
With these new F1 cars, drivers must deeply adapt their way of racing on track. Energy management creates sometimes abrupt speed differences, making some situations difficult to anticipate.
“With these cars, we clearly have to race differently, there is no doubt about that” he explains.
But it is especially certain specific behaviors that worry him: “Changing trajectory when recovering energy creates quite dangerous situations.”
A problem already visible in races
These fears are not theoretical. During the Japanese Grand Prix, Oliver Bearman’s impressive accident highlighted the risks linked to speed differences, sometimes exceeding 50 km/h between two cars.
Carlos Sainz confirms this worrying trend: “With these speed differences, it was only a matter of time before a big accident happened.”
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“When you fight on track and realize there can be a 50 km/h difference, it’s simply no longer racing” he continues.
Necessary but measured adjustments
Despite these concerns, Leclerc does not call for a total revolution. According to him, targeted adjustments could be enough, especially in qualifying.
“In qualifying, there are clearly adjustments to make to be able to attack fully without constantly thinking about energy” he explains.
More nuanced about the race, he believes drivers must also adapt: “We have to adjust our way of defending and take into account these speed differences.”
Finally, the Monegasque surprises by showing some openness: “I don’t know if everything should be changed for the race… but I like the challenge these cars offer.”
A few days before decisive meetings with the FIA, the debate is more open than ever. Between safety and spectacle, F1 plays a particularly delicate balance.
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