P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Next year’s F1 cars are set to present a much different challenge compared to the ground effect machines of recent times.
Charles Leclerc initially criticized the 2026 F1 cars but changed his stance after collaborating with Ferrari engineers. He tested the new car in the sim at Maranello, getting a taste of the changes coming with next year’s technical regulations. Leclerc acknowledged the significant shift in speed extraction methods due to the increased electric power in the new car. Despite his initial reservations, he expressed eagerness for the challenge that the new machines will present on the track. Leclerc highlighted the collaborative and innovative process at the factory in finding solutions for the upcoming car’s challenges and the strategic thinking required for the races. He emphasized the importance of actually driving the car to assess its performance and the need for increased focus and strategy during races to manage the energy of the new systems.
