Monégasque racing driver Charles Leclerc says he is determined to lead Ferrari back to the pinnacle of Formula One, acknowledging the team’s difficult start to the 2025 season but vowing to push for long-term success.
The 27-year-old Monegasque driver, who has secured eight Grand Prix victories since his 2018 debut, remains optimistic after achieving podium finishes in three of the last four races.
Despite Ferrari sitting second in the constructors’ standings with 210 points, they trail leaders McLaren by a substantial 217 points as the British Grand Prix weekend gets underway.
In the drivers’ title race, Leclerc currently holds fifth place with 119 points, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton, who is sixth with 91.
Ferrari have not won the constructors’ championship since 2008, with Kimi Raikkonen the last driver to bring them the world title in 2007. Leclerc, however, believes that returning Ferrari to its former dominance is both a responsibility and a dream worth pursuing.
“The beginning of the season was disappointing, and we didn’t meet our expectations,” Leclerc told AFP at Silverstone. “But we’ve been working relentlessly to address our weaknesses, and our recent results show we’re making progress. That said, we can’t settle—we’re Ferrari. The target is to return to winning consistently.”
Leclerc admitted the atmosphere in the early part of the year had been “challenging,” but he tries to remain grounded. A classically trained pianist and horse racing enthusiast, Leclerc says he still feels privileged.
“I always try to keep things in perspective. I’m a Formula One driver, and at Ferrari—something I dreamed of my whole life. Of course, I want to win, and it hurts when we don’t, but I’m still incredibly lucky to be doing what I love.”
While he hasn’t won since the 2024 United States Grand Prix, Leclerc is far from content with the team’s current situation.
“I’m not satisfied at all. I’m fully committed to changing things. That’s what motivates me—getting this iconic team back on top, where it belongs.”
Leclerc concedes that catching McLaren this season is unlikely, though he refuses to rule it out entirely.
“Being honest, it’s going to be extremely difficult. Mathematically, it’s still possible, so I won’t say it’s impossible yet, but the gap is enormous.”
His contract runs until 2029, but Leclerc sees next season—when major regulation changes will come into effect—as a decisive moment for Ferrari’s prospects.
“Next year is crucial because of the new rules. If we start well, it’ll set the tone for the years ahead. But if we miss the mark, it will take much longer to fight our way back.”
Leclerc also praised the impact of Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari after 12 seasons with Mercedes. He believes Hamilton’s fresh perspective has been beneficial.
“Lewis brought a completely new outlook and fresh ideas that helped us a lot. He’s made valuable observations and highlighted issues in different ways. I know the Ferrari system well, but his experience has added something important.”
Asked if Hamilton had taught him anything directly, Leclerc was candid.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve learned anything specific, but of course, with his experience, I’ve been watching closely. When he first arrived at headquarters, I observed everything he did. With all his success, it’s only natural.”
