Charles Leclerc Says Ferrari Lacks Raw Speed
The Ferrari driver notes the current power unit struggles to match the top-end straight-line speed of rival teams.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Motorsports
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Charles Leclerc has publicly addressed Ferrari's ongoing performance challenges, stating the team lacks the raw speed required to compete with Mercedes and Red Bull. Ferrari has not secured a grand prix victory since the British Grand Prix in July 2026.
Why it matters
The team's decision to prioritize drivability over high-end power is central to their current performance struggles. This trade-off leaves the Italian manufacturer trailing behind its main rivals in straight-line speed on faster circuits.
Ferrari features a power unit designed with a smaller turbo to minimize lag, though this results in lower top-end speed compared to Mercedes and Red Bull. The team continues to rely on simulation preparation to optimize car balance.
The players
Charles Leclerc
He is a professional Formula One driver currently competing for Scuderia Ferrari.
Ferrari
This Italian luxury sports car manufacturer operates one of the most successful teams in Formula One history.
The details
Ferrari introduced a revised power unit design during the September 2026 Italian Grand Prix in an attempt to address vehicle performance. The engineering team utilizes a smaller turbocharger specifically intended to prioritize drivability at lower speeds.
Timeline
July 2026 marked the last time a Ferrari car won a grand prix at the British Grand Prix.
September 2026 saw the introduction of a new power unit design at the Italian Grand Prix.
Season Trajectory
Ferrari's inability to secure a victory since the 2026 British Grand Prix places them at a disadvantage in the current championship standings. This performance deficit forces the team to rely heavily on simulator preparation to remain competitive against rival manufacturers.
The power unit deficit suggests that Ferrari will likely continue to struggle on high-speed circuits where straight-line speed is a decisive factor. Fantasy participants and bettors should account for the team's ongoing disadvantage in raw power output compared to Mercedes and Red Bull.
The takeaway
Ferrari's technical choices highlight the difficult balance between mechanical drivability and raw straight-line speed in modern F1 design. Improving top-end power will be essential for the team to break their current winless streak.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of teams this season, visit our Motorsports section.
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