Charles Leclerc explains why he avoids mimicking Lewis Hamilton's style
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 9:34 AM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Charles Leclerc discussed the challenges he faced with Ferrari's SF-26 during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite having outperformed Hamilton last year, Leclerc explained that he chose not to adopt Hamilton's driving style as he navigated the difficulties presented by new regulations. The context of their head-to-head rivalry adds layers to their performances this season. Leclerc's focus remains on optimizing his own techniques to adapt to the car's nuances.
- •Leclerc struggled with Ferrari's SF-26 amid new regulations.
- •He outperformed Hamilton in the previous season.
- •Leclerc emphasizes personal driving adaptation over imitation.
- •The rivalry between Leclerc and Hamilton is evolving.
- •Ferrari aims to improve performance as the season progresses.
- 9:34 AMYahoo Sports — Why Charles Leclerc didn’t copy Lewis Hamilton’s driving style amid F1 2026 struggle
- 9:34 AMMotorsport.com — Why Charles Leclerc didn’t copy Lewis Hamilton’s driving style amid F1 2026 struggle
"Charles Leclerc has explained why he refrained from trying to copy Lewis Hamilton’s driving style when extracting the most out of Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car was tricky. As Formula 1 switched to new regulations for this season, Leclerc sometimes struggled with the Scuderia’s SF-26. After the Monegasque noticeably outperformed team-mate Hamilton last year, their head-to-head has been a ...Keep reading
"Leclerc has, at times, struggled with F1’s new machinery – but emulating Hamilton’s driving style never was a viable option for him
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 21, 2026, 9:34 AMWhy Charles Leclerc didn’t copy Lewis Hamilton’s driving style amid F1 2026 struggle
Leclerc has, at times, struggled with F1’s new machinery – but emulating Hamilton’s driving style never was a viable option for him
- Motorsport.comSep 21, 2026, 9:34 AMWhy Charles Leclerc didn’t copy Lewis Hamilton’s driving style amid F1 2026 struggle
Charles Leclerc has explained why he refrained from trying to copy Lewis Hamilton’s driving style when extracting the most out of Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car was tricky. As Formula 1 switched to new regulations for this season, Leclerc sometimes struggled with the Scuderia’s SF-26. After the Monegasque noticeably outperformed team-mate Hamilton last year, their head-to-head has been a ...Keep reading
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