Leclerc says Sepang should suit Ferrari better than Baku as F1 heads to Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Charles Leclerc expects Sepang's high-speed corners to favour Ferrari, but warns that the fight at the front leaves no room to stand still.
- 2026
What Happened
Charles Leclerc spoke to the media on Thursday ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which this year is being held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit. The Scuderia Ferrari HP driver said the track's characteristics should suit the team better than some recent venues, while noting that competition between the frontrunners remains extremely intense. Leclerc described Sepang as a circuit that places a premium on confidence and balance.
“It's a track that should be a bit more positive for us compared to Baku. There are many high-speed corners and several combined braking zones, so it's important to have a car that gives you the confidence to push. We'll continue working on the set-up and hopefully that will help us take another step forward over the weekend.”
Leclerc underlined the importance of incremental progress in a highly competitive championship, saying Ferrari has a few things coming in terms of development. He cautioned that they will not completely change the picture overnight, but that every small step in the right direction counts because everyone keeps developing their cars. He added that tyre management remains a key area for all teams.
“The tyres are very difficult to understand this year and getting them into the right operating window can make a big difference. That's something we're continuing to work on because it can have a significant impact on performance.”
Leclerc also reiterated his confidence in Team Principal Fred Vasseur and the work being done throughout the organisation. He said he has always trusted Vasseur, calling him extremely capable and very valuable to the team. According to Leclerc, Ferrari has a clear direction, a great group of people and everyone pushing towards the same goals, with the priority being to stay focused, keep improving and give their best at the track and back at the factory.
Leclerc qualifies second and Lewis Hamilton sixth for Ferrari at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Leclerc finishes fourth and Hamilton sixth in Baku, earning Ferrari 20 points.
Leclerc speaks to the media ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang.
Previously from Ferrari N.V.
Ferrari is contesting the 16th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is unusually being staged at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit — Formula 1's first visit to Malaysia since 2017. Leclerc's reference to Baku follows the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, where he qualified second and finished fourth, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton sixth, earning Ferrari 20 points to consolidate second place in the Constructors' championship.
- Ferrari returns to Sepang for the Bahrain Grand Prix, F1's first visit to Malaysia since 2017
- Leclerc fourth, Hamilton sixth as Ferrari takes 20 points in Baku
- Leclerc qualifies second, Hamilton sixth for Ferrari at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Ferrari N.V.'s official releases.
Why this matters
Ferrari arrives at the 16th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season looking for another step forward against a field where every rival keeps developing. Leclerc's comments matter for Ferrari fans and for the team's title fight, since tyre understanding and small upgrades can decide results. He also publicly backs Team Principal Fred Vasseur and the factory effort behind the car.
Terms in This Story
- set-up
- The adjustments made to a race car's settings, such as suspension, wings and tyre pressures, to suit a particular track and conditions.
- operating window
- The range of tyre temperature and pressure in which a tyre delivers its best grip and performance.
- Team Principal
- The senior executive who leads a Formula 1 team's sporting and operational decisions.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.