“Very Impressive” Mercedes Isn’t Sandbagging Anymore – Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc admits aggressive FP2 changes for Ferrari SF-26 didn’t pay off in Australia

A strong start to the 2026 season The Australian Grand Prix weekend, and the 2026 F1 season, began in the best possible way for Charles Leclerc, who set the fastest time in FP1 ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton. In the second free practice session, the Ferrari driver matched his 1:20.2 from late morning but dropped to fifth overall, behind the other Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, and both Mercedes cars. Leclerc considers the Silver Arrows the most c…

Charles Leclerc believes Mercedes is “a step ahead” of other teams

After Australian Grand Prix FP1&2, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc said he believes „Mercedes is slowly showing a bit more of what they have”. Read More The post Charles Leclerc believes Mercedes is “a step ahead” of other teams appeared first on Silver Arrows Net.

Charles Leclerc fears ‘impressive’ Mercedes pace at F1 Australian GP

Charles Leclerc has revealed his fears about Mercedes’ pace at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, despite a strong showing from Ferrari in Friday practice. Fresh from setting the fastest time at the close of pre-season testing, Leclerc hit the ground running in Australia, setting the fastest time in FP1. The SF-26 converted its pace from Bahrain, performing well on both long and short runs, fuelling further hopes of a Ferrari renaissance in 20…

Leclerc’s Verdict: Mercedes Just Stopped Hiding

Friday in Melbourne had big “new haircut at school” energy: Ferrari walked in feeling fresh, then the silver crew strolled by and borrowed the mirror, while a certain papaya local winked at the timesheets; Leclerc’s tone wasn’t drama, just the kind of honest sigh that makes engineers grab extra coffee, because the juicy bit isn’t one hot lap—it’s those long runs and a bold setup swing that missed the sweet spot; want the whispers, the lap traces…

Leclerc: Mercedes race pace ‘very impressive’ in Melbourne

©Mercedes Michael Delaney 06/03/2026 at 10:5206/03/2026 at 10:25 40 SHARES Share on.. Share on.. Share on.. The opening day of action at the Australian Grand Prix may have seen McLaren top the timesheets, but Charles Leclerc believes another rival... More »

Leclerc: Ferrari "on the back foot" compared to Mercedes

Charles Leclerc has explained where he thinks Ferrari find themselves so far, pointing to Mercedes as the early pace-setters.