Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc says a major change to Formula 1 regulations ahead of next season means it is “now or never” for the Italian team to deliver a title-contending car.
Having narrowly finished second in the Constructors’ Championship behind McLaren in 2024, Ferrari went into 2025 hoping to win their first title since 2008, but lost a huge deficit as they ended a very disappointing campaign fourth in the team standings.
Leclerc and team-mate Lewis Hamilton can at least take solace in the fact that new chassis and engine regulations for 2026 mean this year’s form book should theoretically be completely irrelevant when action resumes at the Australian Grand Prix in March.
“It’s difficult, but at the same time, I think the whole team is very motivated for next year,” said Leclerc after the end of his seventh season at Ferrari.
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“Because it’s such a big change, a huge opportunity to show what Ferrari is capable of, and it’s now or never.
“So I really hope we start this new era on the right track because it’s important four years from now.”
Vasseur: Leclerc always complains about everything, but it’s positive
Both Leclerc and Hamilton have struggled to contain their frustration throughout the year, each offering colorful quotes in the media pen after disappointing results at various stages of the season.
The pair earned something of a rebuke from Ferrari president John Elkann in November when he said they “should focus on driving and talk less”.
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However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur reiterated after the season finale that he is not too concerned about what his drivers say to the media as long as they have a professional approach to improving performance behind the scenes.
“I don’t pay attention to their reaction in the TV pen or on the radio,” Vasseur said.
“They jump out of the car five minutes into the session, sometimes they have a bad result and you ask them a question. I understand that the guy is a bit emotional sometimes.
“The most important thing for me is that the guy comes back to us and encourages the team to do a better job and that we all work together to achieve better results.”
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As he went on to explain why he doesn’t mind his drivers’ outbursts, Wasser said that Leclerc has “always complained about everything” throughout his career.
He added: “The fact that sometimes they get emotional on the radio, you know perfectly, Charles is always a bit critical of himself first, and the team, and everybody.
“But it’s always with a positive dynamic. I’ve known Charles for 16 years and he’s always been like this. He’s always complained about everything, but it’s a positive dynamic.”
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