Leclerc: SF-26 Will Make Monza 'Strange' as No Downforce Sacrifice Needed

Charles Leclerc is heading into the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza with an unprecedented feeling in his Ferrari career. In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com ahead of the race, the Monegasque driver revealed that the SF-26 – the first car of the 2026 technical regulations – has completely changed how he approaches this legendary circuit. “It’s different at Monza, definitely, especially in one respect,” Leclerc said. “In previous years, we had to remove more than 100 points of downforce, strip every possible winglet, to achieve maximum speed. This year, the car is much more similar to the one used at all other tracks. That makes Monza feel… strange.” This change comes from the active aerodynamic system introduced in the 2026 regulations. Instead of physically removing aerodynamic components to reduce drag, the SF-26 can dynamically switch between high-downforce (Z-mode) and low-drag (X-mode) configurations depending on each corner and straight. The result is that Monza – long known as a circuit requiring extremely specific setups – has become more predictable for engineers and drivers alike. But Leclerc didn’t just talk about the technical side. He spent considerable time sharing about the mental pressure of a race at Monza, where he is cheered by tens of thousands of tifosi. “I’ve learned how to manage my energy,” he admitted. “In 2026, after winning at Monza, I hardly slept on Sunday night and was completely exhausted by Monday. At the following race, I was still feeling some effects.” That experience taught Leclerc a valuable lesson: not to accumulate extra fatigue. “Seasons are nowadays very long,” he said. “It’s incredibly important not to accumulate extra fatigue, but if I have to choose between a win at Monza and being tired on Monday, I’ll choose the win 100%. Even very, very tired.” This willingness to sacrifice reflects a more mature Leclerc, who has learned to balance emotion and performance. He revealed that during Monza week, he often isolates himself – “even for 10 minutes” – to recover. “My preparation is always the same, regardless of the circuit. But Monza has a special energy. You have to know how to harness it without being consumed by it.” Leclerc also had high praise for team principal Fred Vasseur. “I’m 200% behind Fred’s project,” he asserted. “What he is building at Ferrari is visionary. I believe in this direction.” This public endorsement comes against the backdrop of Ferrari’s leadership instability over the past decade, and it shows Leclerc is betting his future on stability under Vasseur. On the technical side, Leclerc acknowledged that the 2026 regulations have brought “one of the biggest changes in every driver’s career”. He explained: “Basic concepts you learn from karting – like braking points, corner entry angles, energy deployment – aren’t always true anymore. You have to relearn everything.” This is especially true for the new power unit, where the internal combustion engine and electric motor share a 50/50 split, and the MGU-H has been removed. However, Leclerc doesn’t see this as a barrier. “It’s an exciting challenge,” he said. “As a driver, you have to adapt faster than anyone. If you can’t change your driving style, you’ll be left behind.” Leclerc’s confidence is also reinforced by the SF-26’s performance. Although there are no specific lap-time figures, his willingness to accept fatigue risk for a Monza win suggests he believes Ferrari can be competitive. “I expect a good challenge in Madrid next weekend,” he said, referring to the race immediately after Monza. “But first, let’s enjoy Monza.” For Ferrari fans, Leclerc remains the emotional heart of the team. He described Ferrari’s uniqueness as “beyond generations” and “beyond logic”. “The support of the tifosi never becomes routine,” he said. “Every time I step out of the pit lane, I feel it. That’s what makes Ferrari different.” With the SF-26 no longer requiring extreme downforce sacrifice, Monza 2026 promises to be a different race. Can Leclerc turn that ‘strangeness’ into a second victory at Ferrari’s home circuit? The answer will come this weekend.