Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has echoed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in criticizing F1’s new racing regulations and calling for a return to “natural” racing.
The revised rules, introduced for the 2025 season, prioritize the driver on the inside line, requiring their front axle to be level with their rival’s mirror before and at the corner’s apex. This eliminates the obligation to leave space on the exit, sparking heated debates among drivers and teams.
The controversy flared during Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, where Leclerc and Williams’ Alex Albon engaged in a fierce duel. Albon was forced into the gravel after Leclerc pushed him wide, prompting a stewards’ investigation. Ferrari quickly instructed Leclerc to cede the position to avoid a penalty.
Reflecting on the incident, Leclerc told reporters, “We all have the rules in our heads and try to use them to our advantage. A centimetre can make the difference between being legal or not. Judging that at 250 km/h is tough.
“I thought I was just within the rules, but I’ll review it and be honest with myself. If I made a mistake, I’ll tell Alex.”
Verstappen, a four-time world champion, had earlier called for a return to “natural” racing, a sentiment Leclerc supported. “Max is right,” Leclerc said. “These rules force us to overthink every move, and it doesn’t always look clean from the outside, especially when a car ends up in the gravel.”
The incident left Leclerc frustrated, as he finished sixth, two places behind teammate Lewis Hamilton. Albon, meanwhile, voiced his displeasure on social media, posting on X: “Tough race, tough call. We deserved better today.”
Leclerc expressed skepticism about finding a perfect solution. “We’ll never have a rulebook that makes everyone happy,” he said. “There’s always going to be someone upset. It’s impossible to cover every scenario, and we can’t memorize a rule for every situation.
“Sometimes, you just have to accept a penalty and move on.”
The debate over the regulations is set to continue as teams prepare for the Monaco Grand Prix, where the tight 3.337-kilometer street circuit will test drivers’ precision over 78 laps on May 25. With tensions rising, fans and teams alike are bracing for more drama in the principality.
