Leclerc - Heavy cars forcing driving style changes

Charles Leclerc has detailed how drivers are having to adapt their driving styles for F1's new breed of cars this season.

The Ferrari driver topped the very first session of pre-season testing in Barcelona before following that up with another fastest lap in the afternoon of day two, underlining what is perceived to be strong pace for the Scuderia.

While performance is largely irrelevant during pre-season testing, drivers are able to rack up mileage to ensure the new cars are fit for purpose, whilst also adapting to the nuances of the altered regulations.

Despite components being taken off the top surface of the cars, the weight has gone up overall, meaning a change to the handling of the new machinery.

"Apart from the weight, I really enjoy this winter testing," said Leclerc.

"It is new, the whole car is completely new so you have to really change your driving style and it is very interesting for us drivers to try different things in the last few years, it was more or less the same driving style that you adapt a little bit from one car to the other, it is not a big difference.

"This year it is so it makes it very very interesting for the drivers."

Asked exactly how drivers were being forced to adapt, Leclerc replied: "I would say mostly because of the weight.

"The braking is different, the distance in itself is not so different but the way you are braking is different and still trying to find the perfect spot and the perfect way of braking for this car."

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