Charles Leclerc addresses key Lewis Hamilton concern

Charles Leclerc has asserted he is not concerned Ferrari could look to tune the car to suit Lewis Hamilton's driving style next year.

F1 will race under a new set of technical regulations in 2026 as significant changes are made to the chassis and power units.

Ferrari is set to field Leclerc and Hamilton for the second consecutive year, with the seven-time F1 champion hoping to start the campaign off on a stronger note compared to his maiden season in red which has contained various issues.

Hamilton has often voiced his discomfort behind the wheel while Leclerc, a Ferrari veteran, has had a smoother experience.

When it was suggested Hamilton could look to move the car in a new direction and away from what Leclerc is accustomed to, the Monégasque driver asserted he does not see it as an issue.

“I'm not concerned at all because it's always a big talking point outside the team,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365. 

“Within the team, we've got all the tools to adapt a car to my way in terms of driving style or to Lewis' style.

“So I don't think that's the problem, and I just want the fastest car possible next year. That's exactly what Lewis wants, and then wherever we are next year, I'll set up the car in a way that I like, and Lewis will do just the same.”

Leclerc outlined the priority for Ferrari is to field the fastest car before focusing on the set-up and development direction.

“I'm really not worried about it, he said. “I think we are in a time where, now in Formula 1, the engineers and with where the technology is at, we just need the fastest car.

“We just put the fastest car on track, and then we've got all the freedom available. 

“It's not like back in 10 or 15 years ago where you were a bit stuck into a corner in terms of balance and you didn't have the tools to make the car go faster. 

“Now we do have those tools, so I'm definitely not worried.”