Leclerc Points at Ferrari: “We Have Lost Pure Performance”

Charles Leclerc is not satisfied, the Monegasque Ferrari driver achieved third position in the Sprint qualifying of the Singapore Grand Prix, but far from celebrating it, he took the opportunity to point out the loss of performance that the SF-26 has experienced in the last races. Leclerc, who aspired to fight for pole on a circuit that historically favors Ferrari was surpassed by Max Verstappen and George Russell confirming that the rivals are one step ahead over one lap.

"I got the fast lap we needed on the soft tires, the others had a slightly different strategy; they did two cooling laps, while we only did one, but honestly, I don't think that should be an excuse" Leclerc declared after the session.

The Monegasque was direct in pointing out the real problem: "I feel that we have lost some pure performance in the last three or four races, and we are still not fast enough to compete with the others" he added.

The 2026 season had begun with good sensations for Ferrari, which even achieved victories with Hamilton in Barcelona and with Leclerc in Silverstone, however as the championship progressed, the Italian team was losing ground against Mercedes and Red Bull; McLaren has also dangerously approached in the constructors' championship and Ferrari's advantage in second position has been reduced to less than 100 points; Leclerc is aware of this reality and does not hide his concern.

"But I think the car still has potential; maybe with some adjustments in certain details, we could fight for pole. We are not in a too bad situation but we are missing some things" the Monegasque clarified, hinting that the situation is not desperate but does require immediate attention. Ferrari has demonstrated having a competitive chassis and aerodynamics but the lack of engine power and the difficulty in finding the optimal operating range of the tires have weighed down its performance in the last events.

The Marina Bay circuit, with its slow and medium corners, should favor the SF-26. Leclerc trusted in being able to fight for pole and in the free practice he showed a competitive pace that left him second, however at the decisive moment Verstappen and Russell once again demonstrated that they have an extra of speed over one lap. The Sprint qualifying left Leclerc third, a position that although it allows him to fight for victory in the short race, does not reflect his expectations.

Ferrari faces the rest of the weekend with the need to find quick answers. Saturday's Sprint will be an opportunity to evaluate the SF-26's race pace and the qualifying for the Grand Prix will define whether the Italian team can stay in the fight for the first positions. Leclerc with his talent and his determination will continue pressing for Ferrari to recover the lost ground, the Monegasque knows that the championship is at stake and that every tenth counts

The pressure on Maranello increases and the team's response in the next races will be decisive in defining the direction of the season.