Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari faces a difficult task catching Mercedes in the 2026 Formula 1 season due to a power unit disadvantage. He said the team's engine trails both Mercedes and the Red Bull-Ford unit.
Leclerc stated that Ferrari hopes to gain an upgrade through the FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system after the Montreal race. The system will measure outputs from all five manufacturers to determine eligibility for further development.
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Charles Leclerc secured third place for Ferrari at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, holding off Mercedes' George Russell by 0.5 seconds through astute energy management and tactics in the final laps. The result marks Ferrari's third podium in a row—Leclerc's second of the season—providing a vital morale boost amid Mercedes' dominant start with three consecutive wins.
Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari can achieve 'huge gains' across its 2026 Formula 1 car, including the power unit, chassis, aerodynamics and tyre management. The Scuderia trails Mercedes, which has won the opening three grands prix this season. Leclerc stressed the need for improvements in every area to compete effectively.
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Lewis Hamilton expressed concerns that Ferrari could slip in the Formula 1 standings as McLaren unlocks more from its Mercedes engine. After qualifying sixth at the Japanese Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver highlighted the gap to leaders Mercedes. Ferrari sits second in the constructors' championship, trailing by 31 points after two races.
Jacques Villeneuve has argued that Mercedes' dominance in the early 2026 Formula 1 season is not as overwhelming as in 2014. The 1997 F1 champion highlighted differences in performance gaps and car characteristics. He predicts other teams will improve energy management.
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Charles Leclerc has risen from karting prodigy to Ferrari's key driver since 2019. His career highlights include junior titles and grand prix wins, positioning him as a championship challenger. As Formula 1 approaches 2026 regulations, Leclerc's experience could lead to his first title.
Red Bull's new power unit has impressed in the opening races of the 2026 Formula 1 season despite challenges with the chassis. Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook described the unit as being 'in the mix' as a newcomer.
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Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished fifth and sixth in second practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, trailing McLaren's Oscar Piastri by seven and eight tenths of a second. Hamilton described the SF-26 as not quick enough, citing balance issues and poor straight-line speed. The team plans overnight adjustments to challenge McLaren behind leaders Mercedes.