Leclerc identifies qualifying weakness — kerb attack on low fuel

Leclerc said the SF‑26’s one‑lap performance is compromised by how it handles kerbs in low‑fuel qualifying trim, a diagnosis that frames Ferrari’s ongoing focus on improving qualifying execution rather than outright race pace.

In this brief: 2 sections 1 min read

- Leclerc: he does not believe Ferrari is slower overall but the car is weaker on qualifying (low fuel).
- He pointed to rivals (notably McLaren) being stronger when a lap requires aggressive kerb use.
- Leclerc’s view aligns with Ferrari focusing on consistency and session evolution rather than one‑lap upgrades.
- Fred Vasseur said the priority is improving how pace evolves through qualifying segments.
- Ferrari’s race pace remains encouraging even when qualifying execution falters.
- The comment follows Leclerc’s P4 in Madrid, where strategic calls and qualifying deficit affected the result.

Read full analysis on motorsportweek.com

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