FerrariTeam·Ferrari driver Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc expressed profound disappointment following a challenging qualifying session for the Canadian Grand PrixCompetition·Canadian Grand Prix, stating the weekend has been "one of the worst, if not the worst" of his Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 career. The Monegasque driver secured an eighth-place starting position for today's race, a result that falls significantly short of his and Scuderia FerrariTeam·Ferrari's expectations.
Leclerc has encountered persistent difficulties with his SF-26 chassis since the initial free practice sessions in Montreal. He openly admitted to a lack of confidence in the car's handling, citing issues with both tire performance and brake consistency throughout the event. This struggle was particularly evident in qualifying, where he found himself unable to extract the necessary pace.
"Honestly, it's one, if not the worst weekend of my career," Leclerc stated. "Since FP1, I haven't had one lap where I could feel the car. I just felt like I was going to put it into the wall in every single corner I do just because the tyres were completely out of the window today. The brakes yesterday that were not in the window as well. There was never, at any time, something that was just clicking and everything was right."
In stark contrast, his teammate, Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton, demonstrated a more composed performance throughout the weekend. Hamilton successfully qualified in fifth position for both the Sprint and the main Grand Prix, comfortably outpacing Leclerc in both sessions and highlighting the disparity in their experiences with the same machinery at the Circuit Gilles-VilleneuveVenue·Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
This challenging outing in Canada marks a notable deviation from FerrariTeam·Ferrari's otherwise positive start to the 2026 season. The Scuderia has secured three podium finishes in the first three races, with both Leclerc and Hamilton delivering strong performances. Prior to this event, Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc had achieved two podiums from the four Grands Prix, placing him third in the 2026 Drivers' Championship standings with 59 or 63 points, according to various reports. FerrariTeam·Ferrari currently holds second place in the Constructors' Championship, actively attempting to challenge MercedesTeam·Mercedes.
Leclerc's struggles with tire and brake management in Montreal underscore the ongoing quest for consistency and optimal car setup under diverse conditions, even as FerrariTeam·Ferrari aims to maintain its strong championship challenge.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Lewis Hamilton on track at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix. DeFodi Images/IMAGO
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