Charles Leclerc: "I think it's very difficult to overtake"

After these first three days of testing in Bahrain, one observation seems to be emerging: four teams, Classic Ferrari for sale, Red Bull, Mercedes Benz et McLaren, should be vying for the top positions in 2026. Yet, listening to the talk in the paddock, none of them are claiming the role of favorite. Charles Leclerc describes a classic pre-season scenario: each top team highlights the competition while minimizing its own potential. "I think everyone is trying to pass the buck.""That's what I summarized for the media present in Bahrain. According to him, this strategic posture has become almost systematic before the first Grand Prix." "That's normal at this point in the season. Also because it's very difficult to assess." ».

However, this year the situation is even more opaque. The new 2026 regulations, with their profound changes to power units and the balance between internal combustion and electric power, multiply the adjustable parameters. Whereas in previous seasons a few adjustments were enough to obscure the true potential, it is now possible to conceal a car's real potential in numerous ways: energy management, engine modes, hybrid maps, and even deployment strategies.

The Monegasque driver emphasizes this increased complexity: even internally, it's difficult to accurately assess where Ferrari stands. The gaps observed on the track can be heavily influenced by unseen energy management choices. In this context, any attempt to establish a clear hierarchy is more speculation than factual analysis.

While he declined to speculate, Charles Leclerc nevertheless hinted that Red Bull had displayed some things "impressive", particularly in terms of the engine, while Mercedes seems to be hiding a "a huge amount of performance"A cautious opinion, but one that reveals a distrust of the competition.

"In terms of reliability, we look good."

From Scuderia Ferrari's perspective, the overall assessment remains positive. After nearly 2,300 kilometers covered during the entire test, no major reliability issues were reported, apart from running out of fuel. Lewis Hamilton In the final minutes of the final days, Ferrari completed its program. The SF-26 appears sound and meets the team's expectations.

The Monegasque coach expressed satisfaction with this working basis. He stated that the correlation between the data and the simulations was accurate, a crucial point in a season marked by a major technological overhaul. "In terms of reliability, we look good, that's true and that's positive. But, ultimately, performance, as much as reliability, is a very important area in which we need to excel, and we don't really know where we stand at the moment."Reliability alone won't be enough if the pace isn't up to scratch. And for now, the true extent of the rivals' performance remains impossible to gauge. Charles Leclerc maintains he will remain "really cautious" on Ferrari's prospects, refusing any excessive optimism.

Beyond the hierarchy, another point worries the Ferrari driver: the difficulty of overtaking with these new cars. Current Formula 1 cars rely on an unprecedented balance between internal combustion engine and electric power, the latter now representing an equal share of overall performance. This evolution profoundly changes the way drivers attack and defend on the track.

"It's very difficult for us to know exactly where we stand."

The Monegasque driver admits to experiencing significant difficulties in executing his maneuvers. Overtaking now depends heavily on the timing of the electrical power deployment. However, this strategic management has an immediate cost: using energy massively to overtake compromises the ability to widen the gap afterward. "The price to pay is much higher than before. That's why I think it's very difficult to overtake and then break away like it was last year."

ALSO READ > Ferrari – Red Bull - McLaren: Reasons to rejoice!

When asked about his feelings behind the wheel, Leclerc's response was nuanced: “It was already complicated with the previous generation of cars. But now, with hybrids and especially the much more powerful electric motor, there are a huge number of small adjustments that are possible. And you can mask the car's true potential in so many different ways. So it's very difficult for us to know exactly where we stand.” ». 

However, he finds renewed interest in this technological challenge. The development of these complex systems, the need to rethink performance strategies, and the exploration of new solutions constitute, in his view, a form of intellectual stimulation. The raw pleasure of piloting evolves, but the technical challenge remains stimulating.