Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has raised concerns about the team's engine power deficit ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend on May 22, 2026.
Speaking to media, Leclerc revealed that the Italian squad is struggling against rivals Mercedes and Red Bull-Ford in terms of power unit performance.
Ferrari Trails in Standings
The Scuderia currently sits second in the constructors' championship, trailing leader Mercedes by 70 points.
Ferrari holds a slim 16-point advantage over third-placed McLaren.
Despite introducing 11 updates to the SF-26 in Miami, the team failed to close the gap on track as McLaren and Red Bull secured positions ahead.
The competitive balance could shift after the race in Montreal, where the FIA will analyze engine outputs under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) framework.
This analysis will determine if struggling manufacturers can upgrade their power units.
Leclerc expressed doubt about catching Mercedes, stating they have a very big advantage.
He remains hopeful that the governing body will grant Ferrari regulatory allowances to close the performance deficit.
Leclerc noted that he can see on the straights that Ferrari is lacking compared to Mercedes or even the Ford power unit.
Ferrari hopes any potential balance adjustments from the FIA will provide a necessary performance boost, though the exact impact remains uncertain.
Leclerc said it will definitely help to get closer, but he does not know if it will be enough to close the gap.
The eight-time grand prix winner added that the final outcome depends on the specific level of assistance authorized by officials.
Optimization Key to Performance
Leclerc emphasized that maximizing car setups plays a massive role in current grid dynamics.
He pointed to recent competitive fluctuations among top teams to demonstrate that modern aerodynamic packages require precise calibration beyond just bolting on new components.
Leclerc used Red Bull as an example, noting how operational optimization can completely transform a team's baseline speed.
He observed that Red Bull was very strong during winter testing but struggled in the first three races when not perfectly optimized.
According to Leclerc, the Milton Keynes-based squad unlocked their true potential in Miami through systemic optimization alongside physical updates.
He said it is very difficult to have a clear picture of how much the upgrades are doing.
Despite challenges in assessing development packages, Leclerc affirmed that engineering staff continue to find massive performance increments during factory simulations.
He stated that every week spent at the factory working on new parts yields big gains, much bigger than in the past.
Leclerc denied that Ferrari's development pathway had fallen behind rivals, attributing the gaps to the immense complexity of the 2026 regulatory packages.
He believes teams are still figuring out how to maximize the whole system, which is very complex.
Leclerc added that human inputs introduce an unpredictable element that complicates data analysis on any given weekend.
Looking past the Canadian round, Leclerc expressed optimism regarding the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix.
He stated that lighter chassis dynamics and reduced electrical demands could favor the SF-26 on the streets of Monte Carlo.
Leclerc noted that the cars are lighter, which is clearly felt and should help on a track like Monaco.
He also thinks the electrical component will matter less compared to other circuits because recharging won't be an issue with so many corners.
Leclerc said he is quite excited about racing in Monaco, as it could be a good circuit for these cars.
During official press conferences, Leclerc confirmed he monitored the recent Nürburgring 24 Hours due to Max Verstappen's participation.
He said he watched some parts of the race.
While open to racing at the Nordschleife later in his career, Leclerc maintains a clear preference for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
He said Le Mans remains the priority, though he might try the Nürburgring one day.
The media also questioned Leclerc on whether modern Formula 1 has become easier for younger drivers, given that a 19-year-old currently leads the world championship.
Leclerc firmly denied that it is easier in any way.
He noted that one strength of being young is not overthinking and pushing flat out, which is a great quality.
He praised the rise of young talents like Kimi Antonelli but concluded that advanced simulation tools do not fully diminish the steep learning curve required to master highly complex power units.
Leclerc said the cars are incredibly complex these days, and while simulators are at a much higher level, it is not easier at all.
