Charles Leclerc wants to be the next Formula 1 world champion for Ferrari. However, he currently has to see Max Verstappen do all the winning. The next generation of Formula 1 cars and engines is supposed to come in 2026. This means that the FIA is busy designing the regulations and will be releasing them soon enough. Charles Leclerc has a few suggestions.
Current Cars Too Heavy
This is a problem that most people have spoken up against, not just Charles Leclerc. Drivers, team bosses, pundits, and even fans of Formula 1; everyone wants lighter cars to return. In the past 15 years, F1 cars have become heavier by almost 200 kilograms. This means they are no longer nimble around the corners like they used to be. This effect is visible to fans, and it prevents good racing on narrow tracks.
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Leclerc can feel the difference
Being a Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc has had the opportunity to drive various old Ferrari cars. He drove a 2003 Ferrari in Abu Dhabi on modern slicks and could instantly feel the difference in the response of the car. The car felt more agile. He also feels the current ground-effect cars are very unpredictable.
Leclerc’s other demand
Various drivers like Max Verstappen and George Russell have made similar demands from the FIA. However, Charles Leclerc takes it a step further. He questions whether it’s possible to make lighter cars but keep the same amount of downforce. He loves how the current cars handle high and medium-speed corners and wants to find a balance somewhere.
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Unlikely to happen
As mentioned, everyone, including Charles Leclerc, wants these changes, even FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. But a majority of the weight gain during these years has been due to the electrical component of the engines. Another big factor is the safety improvements that have been made.
The FIA won’t compromise the drivers’ safety for the show. Therefore, with the electrical component increasing in 2026, FIA and Formula 1 will have done a commendable job if they can keep the weight the same.
