Charles Leclerc sends 'a lot worse' warning over new F1 complexities

Charles Leclerc has highlighted how the complexity of the new F1 regulations means that drivers can no longer simply look at the data and identify how to go faster.

The peculiarities of the revised power unit rules have proven challenging for the field to adapt to, with some faring better than others.

Despite a strong start to the season, Leclerc struggled for a few rounds before a Eureka moment at the British Grand Prix helped the Monegasque driver find his feet again.

Heading into the summer break, how drivers have needed to alter their driving styles and whether naturally quicker drivers are being handicapped by a drive slow to drive fast phenomena were hot topics of conversation.

When it was put to Leclerc that there is disagreement throughout the paddock on whether a more aggressive style  — something the Ferrari driver felt was not working for him pre-Silverstone — or a smoother approach is more beneficial, he underlined the inherent idiosyncrasies at play.

"Well, I think it really depends also on the power units and the way everything is set up," he told media, including RacingNews365.

"And that's why it's so difficult with these cars; there are so many different variables that it's not like in the past, where you could look at the data and say, 'This is clearly where I'm losing, this is clearly what I've got to change with my driving'.

"If you are changing your driving, but the programming is going the other way, you end up being a lot worse than what you were at first.

"So there are many different variables. I think you've got to be very open-minded, and I've seen that; I started the season being very at ease with the car and very strong with the car.

"I had Monaco and Montreal, where I was struggling a lot with this car, and then it came back a little bit, changing quite a few things."

Not 'black and white' anymore

Leclerc pointed to the vagueries and shades of grey that have been introduced with the latest generation of Formula 1.

He conceded that whilst an aggressive approach may work for other cars on the grid, it is not a style that gels with the SF-26.

"But I don't think that it's black and white so much with these cars," the nine-time grand prix winner added.

"There are many different variables, and to understand the full implications when you are a little bit off is a lot more difficult than it seems.

"So, I don't particularly agree that being super aggressive with these cars works, at least not with our car. But it might do for another car."