Mar.26 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has played down the apparent closeness between Ferrari and Mercedes, insisting the gap at the front is “not as close as it looks”.
Although Ferrari has emerged as the clear second team behind the dominant Mercedes outfit after the opening two races of 2026, Leclerc says the on-track battles have been misleading.
“I think the battle at the front isn’t as close as it looks. We’re not as close as people think,” he said at Suzuka.
“In the first few races, we saw some battles at the front, which is obviously great. But if you’re slightly off with the energy management in these cars, you lose a lot of time.
“That gives you the opportunity to put pressure on the leaders. However, they show their true pace as soon as they have a clear track.”
Leclerc estimates the real deficit is already clear.
“And then there’s the difference of four or five tenths of a second per lap, which we already saw in the first races. That’s quite a lot,” he said.
“But I won’t let that discourage me. We have a few things in the pipeline that will hopefully help us. And we mustn’t overdo it, which can easily happen when you’re in this situation. We have to concentrate on ourselves.”
The Ferrari driver still believes the gap can be reduced over the course of the season, particularly in the early development phase of the new regulations.
“The season is still young, and I think it’s possible. However, it’s also a huge challenge and anything but easy,” he said. “Because Mercedes isn’t resting on its laurels either and is pushing hard.”
Leclerc pointed to the power unit as the main area of difference.
“A lot can be achieved simply by optimising the power unit. I think that’s the biggest difference between us and Mercedes,” he said.
“But of course, there are also areas in the chassis where we can improve. Even though I think we already have a pretty strong chassis.
“The big difference to Mercedes is in the engine.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES