Charles Leclerc is particularly positive about Ferrari’s current form. After the disappointment of 2025, in which the team did not record a single victory, the Scuderia is remarkably competitive this season. In the first two Grands Prix, Ferrari still had to yield to Mercedes, but the other top teams are currently leaving Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton far behind. The Monegasque – who is curious about what the rest of the year will bring – is cautiously dreaming of a title fight.
Read more Binotto praises Audi approach, sneers at Ferrari: ‘Hasn’t won anything since 2008’
In an interview with Sky Sports, Leclerc was asked about the mood within Ferrari. “It has probably turned 180 degrees, just like our rear wing,” he joked. Last year he stood on the podium a number of times, but the Scuderia performed significantly worse than the other top teams; the Italian racing stable finished in a disappointing fourth place in the standings.
“Last year was not as bad as the outside world suggested, by the way,” Leclerc noted. “We were still enormously motivated. That also had to do with the fact that we had switched to the new car very early in the season.” Teammate Lewis Hamilton previously hinted that Ferrari had already scrapped the 2025 season in May and had since focused all attention on the new F1 era. “All that innovation we now see in our car motivates the team and encourages us to think outside the box,” said a proud Leclerc.
Read more ‘FIA waits with regulation changes after positive reactions to Chinese GP’
Ferrari dream has been rekindled
Last season – partly due to Ferrari’s disappointing results – many questions were still raised about Leclerc’s future. The Monegasque is one of the most sought-after drivers in Formula 1; many a team would roll out the red carpet for him. However, the current competitiveness has strongly rekindled the Ferrari dream. “This season is very important for my future,” he responded when asked. “In addition, it has always been my dream to drive for Ferrari. I am focusing entirely on this year and hope to be back on the top step of the podium as soon as possible.”
Given the current form, it is not inconceivable that Ferrari will record another victory this year. The higher goal, however, is the world title, a prize that has always eluded Leclerc in recent years. Can he make a bid for the championship this season? “It’s much too early to say that,” he replied. “But when I look at the innovations and what I felt in the car, that goal is closer than ever.”
Read more Schumacher is tired of Verstappen’s complaining: ‘Must stop whining’
Read everything about the Japanese GP here
