Leclerc Frustrated by Ferrari's Persistent Wet Weather Struggles
Charles Leclerc expressed significant frustration with Ferrari's ongoing struggles in wet Formula 1 conditions, highlighting a persistent issue that has plagued the team since 2019. Despite extensive efforts, the Scuderia has yet to find a solution, with their car consistently lacking pace and grip on wet tracks. This recurring problem, evident again at the Las Vegas GP qualifying, is a major concern as the team looks towards the new regulations in 2026 and aims for consistent championship contention.
Charles Leclerc expressed deep frustration with Ferrari's recurring poor performance in wet conditions, a persistent issue that has plagued the team since he joined in 2019. Despite a promising dry practice session, the arrival of rain for qualifying at the Las Vegas Grand Prix exposed their vulnerability, with Leclerc only managing ninth and his teammate Lewis Hamilton failing to set a proper lap.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's inability to perform in wet conditions highlights a fundamental car limitation that consistently hinders their championship aspirations. As F1 looks towards a new regulatory era in 2026, understanding and rectifying such core weaknesses are crucial for the Scuderia to become consistent title contenders. Leclerc, widely regarded as one of F1's top qualifiers, seeing his performance severely hampered by the car's characteristics underscores the urgency of this issue.
The details:
- Persistent Problem: Leclerc noted that Ferrari has "been struggling and been poor on the wet since I joined the team" in 2019, indicating a long-standing issue across multiple car generations.
- Vegas Qualifying Woes: At the Las Vegas GP qualifying, in what many drivers called the "worst conditions ever" due to low grip and cold temperatures, Leclerc finished ninth. His teammate Hamilton failed to set a competitive lap after an operational misstep.
- Pace Deficit: Leclerc's poor result was attributed to a pure pace deficit, with him being at least a second off the pace in both Q1 and Q2, which is uncharacteristic for the Monegasque driver known for his qualifying prowess.
- Search for Solutions: Despite "trying like crazy," the team has not found a solution. Leclerc believes it's more complex than just tire warm-up techniques, indicating a deeper car characteristic issue.
- 2026 Regulations: The upcoming 2026 season, with significant changes to power units and chassis (lighter, smaller cars, increased electrical power), offers a potential reset for all teams, including Ferrari, to address such fundamental weaknesses.
What's next:
Ferrari's focus must shift intensely to understanding and rectifying their wet-weather performance. While the 2026 regulations offer a fresh start, addressing current car limitations is vital for immediate competitiveness and building a robust foundation for the future. Leclerc's candid remarks underscore the pressure on the team to deliver a car capable of fighting for wins in all conditions, especially as they face their first winless year since 2021 with the current SF-25.