Leclerc feeling the 'excitement' at Ferrari before heading to Bahrain

20:01, 06 Feb

byOlly Darcy

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said there is 'excitement' not only within Scuderia Ferrari but also across the entire Formula 1 grid as preparations continue for the Bahrain winter testing.

"It's just excitement, really looking forward to seeing what we'll learn in Bahrain, and just to focus on ourselves for now."

- Charles Leclerc

2025 was a dismal year for Leclerc and Ferrari, finishing without a Grand Prix victory in a season for the first time since 2021, languishing in P4 in the Constructors' Championship with 398 points, 435 behind championship winners McLaren.

However, the Scuderia impressed during the first week of winter testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Lewis Hamilton unofficially setting the fastest lap of the week, topping the timesheets ahead of George Russell and Mercedes.

This has fostered a buoyant atmosphere within the Italian team, with similar optimism across the grid as teams adjust to the brand-new regulations for this campaign

Charles Leclerc during a shakedown lap at the Fiorano Circuit - Photo: Race Pictures

"I think there's a lot of excitement, not only in Ferrari, but I think around the whole paddock. It's an exciting time for Formula 1," Leclerc exclaimed during the final day of winter testing in Barcelona.

"There's so much change that we've got to adapt as drivers. We've got to adapt as teams and try to find ways to maximise what is now our new package, especially with this energy management, which is so much more important compared to the past.

"It's just excitement, really looking forward to seeing what we'll learn in Bahrain, and just to focus on ourselves for now."

F1 engine saga continues to develop

A key aspect of the regulation overhaul is the introduction of new power units, featuring a 50/50 split between electrical power and an internal combustion engine.

Reports suggest that Mercedes and Red Bull have potentially found a loophole regarding the compression ratio, allowing them to remain within the new rules while possibly gaining more power.

Ferrari, Audi and Honda have called upon the FIA to look into this 'trick' and ban it before the season gets underway at the Australian Grand Prix.

However, GPblog understands that these efforts have proven unsuccessful so far.