Amidst a challenging 2025 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc has voiced his unwavering commitment to restoring Ferrari's former glory, despite rumors swirling about a potential departure. The Monegasque driver's dedication comes even as the team grapples with an underwhelming start to the year, struggling to keep pace with frontrunners like McLaren and Red Bull.
Leclerc has firmly dismissed any speculation about leaving Ferrari, stating he has no idea where such stories originated. He has reiterated his love for the team and his determination to bring the Prancing Horse back to the top. Leclerc's contract with Ferrari reportedly extends to 2029, further solidifying his commitment to the team.
Despite Leclerc's loyalty, questions have arisen regarding his future with Ferrari, especially considering the team's inability to deliver a competitive package. The driver himself has acknowledged the "complicated moment" the team is facing. Italian media reports have suggested that Leclerc was losing faith in the Ferrari project and exploring other options, particularly with the regulation changes slated for 2026. However, Leclerc has refuted these claims, affirming his belief in the team and its leadership.
Ferrari's 2025 season has been "bittersweet," with the team facing struggles with its SF-25 car. The car's limitations have been evident, with the team securing only a few podium finishes. Leclerc has acknowledged that the start to the 2025 season has been "worse than expected". The SF-25 has demonstrated flashes of potential but has been plagued by structural limitations and an extremely narrow operational window.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur has asserted that he understands Leclerc's growing impatience with the team's uncompetitive position. Vasseur recognizes that drivers are always tuned to demand continuous improvement. He also said that he would be disappointed if his drivers said that the team was perfect and didn't need to improve.
To address the performance deficit, Ferrari has been actively working on upgrades to the SF-25. These upgrades include a new floor introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix and a new rear suspension expected to be introduced soon. The team hopes that these upgrades will unlock the car's potential and close the gap to its rivals. Ferrari stopped wind tunnel testing on the SF-25 in June to focus on the 2026 car, but they are still working to improve the SF-25.
One of the key issues with the SF-25 has been its reliance on "lift and coast" during races, a technique used to save fuel or cool the hybrid system. This has compromised the car's effectiveness in key race moments. The upgrades are expected to reduce the car's reliance on this technique and improve its overall balance.
Looking ahead, Leclerc believes that Ferrari must "completely dominate" the remainder of the 2025 season if it wants to fight for the world title. However, he acknowledges that the points gap to the leaders is significant and that the team needs to take it race by race, maximizing its results.
Despite the challenges and speculation, Charles Leclerc remains committed to Ferrari and determined to lead the team back to the top of Formula 1. With upgrades in the pipeline and a renewed focus, Leclerc hopes to reignite Ferrari's campaign and restore the team's glory.
