Leclerc: “It’s not a pleasant feeling” after the Singapore GP
Charles Leclerc expressed his disappointment after the Singapore Grand Prix, describing Ferrari’s current situation as “not pleasant.” The Monegasque driver lamented the lack of competitiveness of the single-seater, which prevented him from fighting for the top positions. While Ferrari has yet to achieve any victories in 2026, their rivals McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes have each secured at least two wins, with recent victories following the summer break. George Russell of Mercedes took the second win of the year for his team in Singapore, while Leclerc and his teammate Lewis Hamilton struggled to finish in sixth and eighth place respectively, due to brake problems.A video of Leclerc having to lift off the accelerator and “coasting” while being overtaken by the Mercedes driver, Kimi Antonelli, has gone viral after the race.From lap eight, basically, it was about managing those brakes. It made our race very, very complicated.
Charles Leclerc
The driver added that Mercedes is now at the same level as McLaren and Red Bull, and that Ferrari is in a difficult position. He acknowledged that it is complicated not being able to fight for better positions and feeling that they are “passengers” in the car, without being able to extract much more than what there is for the rest of the season. Last year, Ferrari staged a comeback, battling McLaren in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari took that battle to the last race of the year, where Lando Norris’ victory was enough for McLaren to take the title. However, Ferrari hasn’t matched McLaren’s pace this season, and the British team secured the championship with six races to spare. Leclerc tried to show optimism when asked about the season in general.Unfortunately, we don’t have the car to compete with those in front. McLaren has always had the same gap to us compared to the beginning of the year. Red Bull took a step forward from Monza and is at the same level as McLaren.
Charles Leclerc
The Ferrari driver pointed out that it is necessary to lower expectations from the beginning, and that he does not see a progression throughout the year. Leclerc also admitted that it is difficult to manage the feeling of disappointment, but that this motivates him even more to try to change the situation. The driver concluded that it is very tough, especially after a race like the one in Singapore, where you don’t even fight for the podium, and you have to manage many problems, which “is not a pleasant feeling”.I wouldn’t describe it as the most difficult season. I think every time you’re not fighting for wins, it’s difficult, but obviously, coming from a year like the past, where you’re fighting for the World Championship, the World Constructors’ Championship, and then you come here with high expectations.
Charles Leclerc
