P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc got his season up and running in Barcelona this week behind the wheel of a much different F1 car.
Charles Leclerc has acknowledged the significant learning curve presented by the drastic changes in the new F1 cars for 2026.
The introduction of new power units after 12 years and updated aerodynamic regulations have greatly impacted the performance of this year’s cars.
Leclerc and his teammate Lewis Hamilton conducted the Barcelona shakedown to gather crucial data on the SF-26.
Despite challenging weather conditions, Leclerc gained valuable experience driving the new car for the first time in dry conditions.
He finds the new car to be “super interesting” and embraces the opportunity to think creatively and adapt to the changes.
Adjusting to the increased electrical output in the power unit has proven to be a challenging aspect for Leclerc during the testing week.
While he is gradually growing more comfortable, managing the new systems and the shift towards more electrical power sources presents a steep learning curve in this new era of Formula 1.
