Leclerc urges Ferrari caution at Singapore Grand Prix: 'This is a special track'
Charles Leclerc says Ferrari must take nothing for granted at the Singapore Grand Prix, where pace that looks good on paper has often failed to translate into results this season.
- 2
- SF-26
- 2026
What Happened
Charles Leclerc met with the media on Thursday of the Singapore Grand Prix and urged caution when assessing the Scuderia Ferrari HP team's prospects for the weekend. He pointed out that results in 2026 have often gone against pre-event predictions. Leclerc explained that although the Marina Bay street circuit appears to suit the characteristics of the SF-26, recent experiences mean this should not be taken for granted.
“Several times this year we have seen that what works on paper does not always translate into results on track. We have had circuits that seemed very well suited to us and then we struggled, while on other occasions we have managed to perform better than expected. The key remains to optimise the package and put everything together in the right way over the weekend.”
Leclerc acknowledged that in recent races Ferrari has not managed to deliver the level of consistency seen at other stages of the season, while highlighting the team's work to improve its processes and preparation. With two qualifying sessions scheduled over the course of the weekend, he reiterated the importance of one-lap performance in Singapore. He said the goal is to keep improving and to make sure every detail is under control.
“We have carefully analysed the situations that did not go to plan and worked hard to be better prepared for the decisions we have to make during the weekend. The goal is to keep improving and to make sure every detail is under control.”
Leclerc also spoke about the internal competition that pushes both drivers, saying "Lewis is having an exceptional season and that pushes both of us to give our best" and adding that a competitive team-mate forces him to keep improving, which he called a very positive aspect for the team. He said Singapore is historically one of his favourite circuits, though every season is different and Ferrari must focus on the work it needs to do this weekend. He noted that Singapore is one of the most physically demanding events, with high temperatures and humidity making every detail count, and that many aspects contribute to preparing for a race like this.
“We have performed well here in the past, but every season is different. We have to focus on the work we need to do this weekend and put ourselves in the best possible conditions to be competitive. We know it will be a demanding challenge, but we will do everything we can to maximise our potential.”
- Marina Bay looks suited to the SF-26, but Ferrari should not take that for granted.
- Ferrari's recent races have lacked the consistency shown earlier in the season.
- The team has analysed what went wrong and worked on being better prepared for in-weekend decisions.
- Two qualifying sessions this weekend make one-lap performance especially important.
- Singapore is one of the most physically demanding events because of the heat and humidity.
- Competition with team-mate Lewis Hamilton pushes both drivers to improve.
Previously from Ferrari N.V.
Ferrari heads into this Singapore Grand Prix with Marina Bay hosting a Sprint weekend for the very first time, and it is the final Sprint weekend of the season. Our earlier coverage noted that Scuderia Ferrari HP is back in action at the Marina Bay round as the season's Sprint schedule comes to an end.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Ferrari N.V.'s official releases.
Why this matters
Singapore is one of the most physically demanding rounds, and the weekend features two qualifying sessions, putting a premium on single-lap pace. Leclerc's caution reflects a 2026 season in which Ferrari has not matched the consistency it showed at other stages, so fans and rivals will watch whether the team's revised preparation turns its expected pace at Marina Bay into results.
Terms in This Story
- Marina Bay street circuit
- A race track laid out on closed public roads, in this case in the Marina Bay area, rather than a permanent, purpose-built circuit.
- Qualifying
- The timed session in which drivers set their fastest single laps to decide the starting order for the race.
- Scuderia Ferrari HP
- The name of Ferrari's Formula 1 racing team.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.