Charles Leclerc challenged by 'steep learning curve' with new Ferrari

Charles Leclerc has admitted there is a “steep learning curve” with the new F1 cars for 2026, which have seen drastic changes from their predecessors.

This year's challengers have been fitted with brand new power units which have changed for the first time in 12 years, while new aerodynamic regulations have also come into effect.

Leclerc and team-mate Lewis Hamilton took part in the Barcelona shakedown this week, giving the team the first chance to collect data on the SF-26.

After facing wet conditions on Tuesday, Leclerc had an opportunity to test the car in the dry on Thursday for the first time before climbing back behind the wheel on Friday morning.

"It's super interesting," Leclerc said, assessing the new car.

"It was the first day for me in the car in normal conditions, so a lot to learn, a lot to discover and it's a very different car to what we've been driving since I arrived in Formula 1.

“I take that as a challenge and I actually quite like that everything is new and then there might be an opportunity for us drivers to think outside the box.”

One of the most significant changes relating to the new power unit is the increase in electrical output, which now matches the combustion engine.

Leclerc acknowledged that adjusting to that change has proven to be a challenge for him during the week.

"I definitely feel more and more comfortable,” he said.

“It remains an F1 car as well in a way, it's not like I was completely lost when I got back into the car and I was at ease quite quickly. 

“With these new systems and obviously with 50 per cent of the power that comes from the electrical engine, it makes it quite a bit more challenging to manage that, so the learning curve is quite steep. But it's very interesting."