Charles Leclerc Compares New F1 Racing to “Mario Kart” After Chaotic Australian GP

Charles Leclerc has likened the driving under the new regulations to resemble the power-ups in Mario Kart.

Charles Leclerc Compares New F1 Racing to “Mario Kart” After Chaotic Australian GP

Charles Leclerc (via F1)

The Australian GP was run under more than ideal conditions for a majority of the drivers. Many suffered from a spell of poor performances and were unable to achieve ideal results. Among many others, Charles Leclerc lost a shot at victory partly because of Ferrari’s strategy, and difficult racing conditions because of the new regulations. Now, Leclerc takes a hilarious dig at the Australian GP, calling it ‘mario kart-like’.

Both Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had amazing start to the Australian GP. The Monegasque took the race lead from George Russell and fought for it for quite some time. However, it was Russell who ultimately achieved the victory, but it did not come easily for him. The two put forth an impressive battle for the position.

Charles Leclerc has now joked about the intense back and forth between him and George Russell. The 28-year-old joked that it felt like driving in Mario Kart. He further claimed that the boost button was like taking the mushroom power-up, with one or the other driver having an advantage on the track at different times.

When I press it, it feels like the mushroom in Mario Kart.

Charles Leclerc said in a post-race interview.

Apart from the complex overtake and boost mode in the modern challengers, it was usual race day for Charles Leclerc. Ferrari decided to not pit under a couple of virtual safety cars, a decision that might have cost him the race win. However, Leclerc backs the constructor’s decision and claimed that it was a wanted decision. The team was aware of the consequences if the plan didn’t work out, and they still did it anyway.

I mean, I don’t regret it. It was a wanted choice, a wanted and conscious choice.

Charles Leclerc added.

Charles Leclerc reveals Ferrari’s controversial pit decision was a ‘conscious choice’

The Australian GP witnessed multiple drivers suffering from DNFs because of various reasons. The complex regulations caused many drivers to lose power in the car, or go through mechanical retirements. As such, the race saw multiple virtual safety cars which helped the teams change their strategies and pit under the safety car. But, Ferrari did not pit, and for the second VSC, the pit-entry was closed and it was too late for them to pit.

Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

Charles Leclerc accepted that it was a bit disappointing to see the pit entry closed, and they did not expect it would happen. The Monegasque accepted that it was unlucky on Ferrari’s part to have the pit-entry closed when they planned to pit. Ultimately, Leclerc and Co. did not regret their decisions, and he stood by the claim that the decision to not pit earlier was a ‘conscious choice’.

We didn’t know that this would happen. The reality is we’ve had other VSCs after, and one which was particularly well placed, but unfortunately for this one for us the pit entry was closed and we couldn’t take it. So, we were a little bit unlucky on that side, but it was a conscious choice again and I don’t really regret it.

Charles Leclerc noted.

Despite the skeptical remarks on the new regulations, the racing has remained exciting. The race was action packed throughout the laps. Charles Leclerc has achieved a decent start to the 2026 season, especially with a podium finish in his very first race.

Continue Reading: Kimi Antonelli Reveals The “Real Heros” Behind Mercedes’ Australian GP Qualifying Domination