racingnews365.com·
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton 'heavily involved' in Ferrari 2026 F1 car development
Charles Leclerc has confirmed that he and Lewis Hamilton have both
been “heavily involved” in the development of Ferrari’s 2026 F1 car
— the SF-26 — from the “early stages”. Ferrari took a huge gamble
last season, ending development of its 2025 car at the end of April
to focus fully on the new power unit regulations. The new engine
regulations, which feature a 50/50 split between electrical power
and internal combustion, represent the biggest changes in the
history of the sport. Given the scale and importance of the
changes, Leclerc and Hamilton have both been key players in shaping
the direction the Maranello-based outfit has taken with its new
car. A repeat of last year cannot happen for Ferrari, who slumped
to fourth in the constructors’ championship and failed to claim a
victory. "The 2026 regulations demand an even higher level of
preparation, particularly for us drivers. There are many new
systems to understand and optimise, which is why we have been
heavily involved from the early stages of the project’s
development. "During my time with Scuderia Ferrari we have already
experienced major regulatory changes together, so we know how
complex this challenge can be, but we are working with a lot of
motivation to arrive on track as well prepared as possible.
"Energy management and the power unit will be among the most
significant aspects - a fascinating challenge which will require us
drivers to adapt quickly, relying more on instinct to begin with,
and then increasingly on precise data. "The support of the fans
will be especially important this season: it is what makes Ferrari
so unique and pushes us to give our very best."
