Leclerc laments Ferrari: “We don’t have the car to fight” in F1

Leclerc: “It’s not a pleasant feeling” after the Singapore Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration after the Singapore Grand Prix, calling Ferrari’s current situation “not a pleasant feeling.” The Monegasque driver, whose team has not achieved victories in the 2026 season, saw his rivals McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes compete for the top positions. George Russell of Mercedes took the victory in Singapore, while Leclerc and his teammate Lewis Hamilton struggled to obtain sixth and eighth place, respectively, due to brake problems.

From lap eight, basically, it was all about managing those brakes. It made our race very, very difficult.

Charles Leclerc

A video of Leclerc having to lift and slide while being overtaken by Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes has gone viral after the race.

Leclerc was sincere in evaluating Ferrari’s position in the competition.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the race car to fight with those in front. McLaren always had the same difference with us compared to the beginning of the year. Red Bull took a step from Monza and the same level of McLaren.

Charles Leclerc

The pilot continued explaining the team’s situation:

Mercedes is now at the same level as McLaren and Red Bull, and then there’s us, and, obviously, it’s not easy, because you want to fight for better positions. But, at the moment, it feels like we’re passengers in the car and we can’t extract much more than what’s there to save for the rest of the season.

Charles Leclerc

Leclerc tried to show optimism when asked about the season in general.

I wouldn’t describe it as the most difficult season. I think every time you don’t fight for wins, it’s difficult, but obviously, coming from a year like the past one, where you fight for the World Championship, the Constructors’ World Championship, and then you come here with high expectations.

Charles Leclerc

The pilot finished by explaining his feelings:

You have to lower your expectations from the start, and you don’t even see any progression throughout the year… It’s not easy. Yes, I mean it takes a lot of energy, but that doesn’t demotivate me… it motivates me, if anything, much more to try to change the situation. But it is, I mean, it’s very hard, especially after a race like today’s, where you’re not even fighting for a podium, you have to manage a lot of problems. It’s just not a pleasant feeling.

Charles Leclerc