Charles Leclerc Faces Major Challenge of F1 2026 Rules

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Charles Leclerc has outlined the scale of the challenge Scuderia Ferrari is facing under Formula 1’s new power unit regulations, describing the changes as the biggest technical shift in the sport’s history.

The new F1 regulations introduce radical alterations to the power unit architecture, including the removal of the MGU-H and a significant increase in MGU-K output from 120 kW to 350 kW. In parallel, the power split has moved to a 50-50 balance between electrical energy and internal combustion, marking a decisive step toward a more electrified era of Formula 1.

Ferrari has committed extensive resources to preparing for the new regulations. Aerodynamic development on last season’s car was halted at the end of April to allow full focus on the new SF-26 project. The car was unveiled last month, followed by an initial shakedown at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track involving Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

That programme continued with several days of testing at Circuit de Catalunya, which provided encouraging early feedback. However, Leclerc stressed that the transition to the new rules will demand major adaptation, not only from teams at a technical level but also from drivers in how they approach racing.

“I think it’s one of the biggest changes that has happened in F1 history, so it’s been particularly exciting for that reason,” said Leclerc.
“Since I arrived in F1, I’ve had one big technical change from 2021 to 2022, but this is nothing like that. We kind of have to relearn most of the programmes.”

Leclerc explained that the new systems will have wide-ranging implications for drivers, influencing driving style, energy management, and overall race execution. Understanding how to extract performance from the revised power unit will be essential, turning the scale of change into both a challenge and a source of motivation.

“There are many implications on the driver’s side  the way we drive, the way we manage the racing  and that makes it a big challenge, but it’s something that excites me,” he added.
“With all the work that has been happening behind the scenes, I was really keen to finally try it in reality and see how it felt.”

Ferrari and Leclerc now enter the next phase of development with full focus, as Formula 1 prepares for a new technical era that will reshape the competitive landscape across the grid.