Charles Leclerc believes that the new technical rules introduced for the 2026 season have modified the qualifying exercise, one of his greatest strengths, but he had a lot of fun today in China.
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The Monegasque driver was fourth on the grid and finished the Grand Prix in the same position, but in the meantime he battled with the Mercedes and especially with the other Ferrari of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who ultimately had the final word to take the third step of the podium.
For several seasons, Leclerc had built a reputation as a flying lap specialist, capable of achieving exceptional performances in Q3 by taking extreme risks.
A new situation
But according to him, the balance of the new single-seaters — highly dependent on energy management — now prevents this type of approach: “In the past, one of my strengths was simply taking very big risks in Q3 to try and gain a bit more performance. If you do that now – and I tried on Friday in Sprint Qualifying – you completely disrupt the engine part and you lose much more than you gain.”
The 2026 generation cars indeed impose a much more methodical approach, where consistency and energy management take precedence over instinct and risk-taking: “It’s better to stay within the limits and always do the same thing, rather than arriving in Q3 and trying something new. I’m a bit disappointed because it was clearly one of my strengths. The truth is, I don’t really like qualifying anymore.”
A track hardly appreciated
The Monegasque also recognizes that the layout of the Shanghai International Circuit has always posed difficulties for him, as was again the case during the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix: “I am really bad at qualifying on this circuit. After so many years, I have to accept this fact.”
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Beyond Leclerc’s case, some paddock figures are beginning to question the balance between technology and pure talent. Max Verstappen has also recently hinted that the evolution of the cars sometimes limits the expression of driving at the limit.
Former driver Ralf Schumacher, now a consultant for Sky Deutschland, believes that the sport must remain vigilant: “The balance between driving skills at the limit and technology must be restored.”
Changes in sight
Discussions are indeed underway within the International Automobile Federation. Its technical director, Nikolas Tombazis, recently indicated that certain adjustments remain possible in the short term.
Despite his frustrations, Leclerc nevertheless remains optimistic about a possible evolution of the regulations: “There are certain things we can change from now on that could improve the situation. It’s not the end of the world.”
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