May 1 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has played down expectations that Ferrari’s major Miami upgrade will immediately close the gap to Mercedes.
“It’s strange to see so many updates brought by so many teams. Almost everyone here will have a new car. Five weeks off have pushed the departments to the limit,” he said.
“One thing I doubt – I don’t think the technical innovations will radically change the hierarchy from the start of the year.”
That is despite championship leader Kimi Antonelli admitting Mercedes has brought “practically nothing new” to Miami.
“Just small things, while the others are bringing big packages,” said the Italian.
But while encouraged by Ferrari’s developments, including the potential use of the highly-anticipated ‘Macarena’ rear wing, Leclerc was clear about the current pecking order.
“Mercedes is still too far ahead. I don’t think these developments will be enough to catch up,” he said.
“It will certainly be important for us to compare ourselves with McLaren, which is very close. I hope the updates will help us keep up.”
He also underlined that a bigger step could still come on the engine side – depending on the FIA’s regulatory decisions surrounding the ADUO scheme.
“Then we’ll look at the engine side, which I don’t think is confirmed yet whether we’ll have it or not – I hope that will be the case – and if it is, we’ll see what kind of progress that can allow us to make.”
“That second step is also different, because if the situation is what we expect, our competitors won’t have the possibility to make that step. So that’s a gap we could potentially close.”
“In the first case, with the chassis and aerodynamics, I expect everyone to be bringing what is essentially a new car here, and everyone is pushing very hard – so we’ll see whether that will be enough for us to close the gap to them.”
On the Miami rule tweaks, Leclerc struck a balanced tone.
“I was satisfied with the simulator,” he said. “Now I can drive much more instinctively.”
“But other points remain unresolved – energy management when exiting corners, for example. Let’s wait and see these two qualifying sessions.”
He also described how the changes improve drivability, but not completely.
“As a driver, I felt listened to in the requests and advice we gave,” Leclerc said.
“There were software filters, bizarre behaviours where if you went flat out and then lifted off, something different from what you wanted would happen.”
“Now that’s been resolved, and we can go back to driving with instinct, although obviously there will be more work to do over the course of the season.”
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
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