Williams team principal James Vowles has challenged Ferrari star Charles Leclerc’s critical remarks about the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars, following Leclerc’s recent virtual test of Ferrari’s new design. While the Monegasque driver described the car as
“not the most enjoyable race car I’ve driven so far,”
Vowles expressed a more hopeful outlook on the future of racing with the new regulations.
The 2026 cars will undergo a major transformation, including a redesign of aerodynamic features and the introduction of a new power unit split evenly between electric and internal combustion power. These modifications aim to improve competition by adjusting size, weight, and downforce levels on the vehicles.
Leclerc Voices Concerns Over Energy Management and Driver Experience
Despite the stated goals of the new regulations, key drivers have raised doubts about how well the cars will perform on track. Charles Leclerc recently shared his reservations after a simulator session at Ferrari’s factory, highlighting issues with the current version of the 2026 car.
Leclerc remarked,
“Let’s say it’s not the most enjoyable race car I’ve driven so far but we are still in a moment where the project is relatively new,”
acknowledging the development stage while not hiding his dissatisfaction with the driving experience. He continued by expressing hope for progress, but remained skeptical about the regulations making the cars more enjoyable to drive.
“So yeah, I’m not a big fan of it for now but it’s the way it is and at the end of the day I think there’s a challenge and I would like the challenge of maximising a very different car to what it is at the moment,”
Leclerc said, emphasizing his willingness to adapt despite his current frustrations. However, he made clear his personal preference by adding,
“But do I enjoy it? Probably not.”
Energy management, a key aspect of the new car’s hybrid system, remains a significant concern for Leclerc, who is preparing to fight for his first world championship with Ferrari. This has also been a worry for other top drivers; for example, Max Verstappen admitted difficulties with gear shifting during a simulator run at Monza.
James Vowles Highlights Hopeful Adjustments and Driving Style Evolution
In response to these critiques, James Vowles acknowledged the uncertainties but urged a more optimistic view of the 2026 changes. He is confident a shift in driving style will be necessary and ultimately rewarding for drivers adapting to the new generation of cars.
“There was a driving style change that you need to do. It’s like anything. We have to change driving style to adapt to these cars,”
Vowles explained.
“No one really wants to be kangarooing along the ground and yet, actually, I think the formula now is quite a good racing series, for what it’s worth.”
Vowles noted that Williams is somewhat ahead in understanding the new regulations compared to some rivals, and he urged patience as development progresses.
“It kind of gives us an indication of where they are at the moment in terms of their cycle. I actually don’t think the formula for next year is bad at all.”
Still, he admitted concerns remain around how overtaking will be affected under the new rules, promising that the FIA and teams are aware of the issues and are working on solutions. For example, Vowles pointed to technical details like the management of “straight line mode” in wet conditions, which affects tire wear and car performance.
“So there’s some details like that we’ve gotta get into and fix, but we will do as a result of it. But actually once you go over the hurdle through, some nice things that come out the other side of it. They’re just not there at the moment, so I’m looking forward to next year, not the other round,”
Vowles added.
Development Process Will Combine Data and Innovation to Gain Advantage
When questioned if Williams’ potential edge would come from better regulatory interpretation or more simulation and wind tunnel time, Vowles emphasized that success depends on both. He noted that the amount of performance improvement possible with next year’s regulations is significantly greater compared to this season.
“I think it’s both, actually, for what it’s worth,”
he said.
“On this year’s car, you’ve heard everyone talk about it, but you’re doing a great job if you can bring out a tenth of the performance of the car in an update.”
“Whereas, of course, next year, new regulations, it’s huge amounts of performance you find week on week. So it is still wind tunnel time. The bigger learning is more, actually, you start going through cycles of, have you thought about this? Why don’t we try this? Why don’t we go in this different direction? Which leads you into completely different avenues.”
“And that’s the element that allows you to get ahead of time, so it’s not just wind tunnel time,”
Vowles concluded, underscoring the complex process of innovation and adaptation expected throughout next season.
Outlook on the 2026 Regulations and the Future of F1 Racing
The debate between Charles Leclerc’s reservations and James Vowles’ cautious optimism highlights the ongoing challenges as Formula 1 prepares for one of its most significant technical shifts in years. As teams and drivers adjust to the hybrid power units and new aerodynamic rules, the evolving strategies and driving styles will be key to unlocking the potential of the 2026 formula.
While Leclerc’s blunt assessment reflects driver concerns over enjoyment and energy management, Vowles’ perspective suggests development will bring advancement and possibly elevate racing quality. The coming months will be crucial as teams refine their cars and the FIA addresses technical challenges to ensure competitive and exciting racing returns with the new regulations.
