Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton 'heavily involved' in Ferrari 2026 F1 car development

Charles Leclerc has confirmed that he and Lewis Hamilton have both been “heavily involved” in the development of Ferrari’s 2026 F1 car — the SF-26 — from the “early stages”.

Ferrari took a huge gamble last season, ending development of its 2025 car at the end of April to focus fully on the new power unit regulations.

The new engine regulations, which feature a 50/50 split between electrical power and internal combustion, represent the biggest changes in the history of the sport.

Given the scale and importance of the changes, Leclerc and Hamilton have both been key players in shaping the direction the Maranello-based outfit has taken with its new car.

A repeat of last year cannot happen for Ferrari, who slumped to fourth in the constructors’ championship and failed to claim a victory.

"The 2026 regulations demand an even higher level of preparation, particularly for us drivers. There are many new systems to understand and optimise, which is why we have been heavily involved from the early stages of the project’s development. 

"During my time with Scuderia Ferrari we have already experienced major regulatory changes together, so we know how complex this challenge can be, but we are working with a lot of motivation to arrive on track as well prepared as possible. 

"Energy management and the power unit will be among the most significant aspects - a fascinating challenge which will require us drivers to adapt quickly, relying more on instinct to begin with, and then increasingly on precise data. 

"The support of the fans will be especially important this season: it is what makes Ferrari so unique and pushes us to give our very best."