Charles Leclerc celebrated his second podium of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing third behind race winner Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri. Despite the strong result, the Monegasque driver acknowledged that Ferrari remain a step behind Mercedes in terms of overall performance, particularly when it comes to battery deployment and traction out of corners.
During the race at Suzuka, Charles Leclerc faced intense battles with teammate Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes driver George Russell. While he managed to fend off challenges, he was unable to mount a serious fight for victory. Leclerc also struggled during qualifying, losing time on the straights due to energy deployment issues, and had to settle for fourth place on the grid before the race unfolded with Piastri and the Mercedes drivers ahead.
Ferrari must improve ‘absolutely everything,’ says Charles Leclerc
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Japanese Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc highlighted that while Ferrari consistently have the second-fastest car on the grid, the team still face a substantial gap to Mercedes, who have won every race so far. The Silver Arrows’ advantage is clear not only in starts and straight-line speed but also in their ability to manage traction and battery deployment over the course of a race.
Charles Leclerc emphasized that Ferrari must focus on all aspects of the SF-26, from chassis and aerodynamics to tyre management and power unit efficiency. He explained that while the engine itself cannot be changed mid-season, improvements in all other areas of the car are essential to closing the gap. The Monegasque driver stressed that the team must use the upcoming break to optimize the car and ensure better balance, energy deployment, and overall performance.
He reflected on the early laps of the Japanese Grand Prix, noting that energy deployment seemed uneven compared to rivals and contributed to a slower start. The 28-year-old indicated that these initial laps highlighted how critical it is to fine-tune the car across multiple systems simultaneously. He added that substantial gains could still be achieved through better aerodynamic performance, chassis development, and optimising tyre windows, which collectively influence race pace and competitiveness.
Enforced break offers Ferrari opportunity for SF-26 development
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar now sees a pause until the Miami Grand Prix in May after the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia rounds due to regional conflicts. This extended break provides Ferrari with a prime opportunity to make significant improvements to the SF-26. Unlike the usual off-weekends, the cost cap remains unchanged, allowing teams to invest in upgrades without penalties.
During this enforced downtime, Ferrari are reportedly seeking permission to lift restrictions on private testing. Charles Leclerc and the team intend to use the break to test new updates, optimise energy deployment strategies, and refine the car’s aerodynamics and chassis performance. The goal is to emerge from the Miami Grand Prix weekend with a more competitive package capable of challenging Mercedes more closely for race victories.
With Mercedes currently leading the championship comfortably, Charles Leclerc believes that only through comprehensive improvements across the SF-26 can Ferrari realistically challenge for wins and podiums in the second part of the 2026 season. The Monegasque driver remains confident that the team can make meaningful progress if they exploit the April break effectively.
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