Charles Leclerc already thinking about 2026
The SF-25 may have surprised him at times with flashes of unexpected performance — enough to keep him in the fight for a podium place through much of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — but Charles Leclerc is now visibly relieved at the idea of no longer having to race it. After a grueling marathon of 24 Grands Prix, marked by very few satisfying results, the Monegasque driver openly admitted that he needs “a couple of weeks of rest.” Yet the heavy fatigue does not overshadow the enormous anticipation surrounding the 2026 regulation overhaul, a revolution that will reset the entire grid. For Ferrari, which lost direction after a promising 2024, it represents a true blank slate.
A “now or never” opportunity
“It has been a tough season,” Charles Leclerc said after the chequered flag, speaking to several media outlets including ScuderiaFans.com. “But at the same time, I think the whole team is extremely motivated for next year. Because it’s a huge change, an important opportunity to show what Ferrari is capable of. It’s a bit of a now-or-never situation, so I really hope we will start this new technical era on the right foot, because it will be important for the next four years. Do I still believe in the project? Yes, and next year will be crucial.”
Charles Leclerc also shared a reflection on Lewis Hamilton, who endured a deeply disappointing season: “I think Lewis has always been extremely motivated. It was a difficult end of the season for him, but not just for him — the whole team struggled, and the car became increasingly complicated to drive. But I’m sure we will all come back next year. The toughest season since I’ve been at Ferrari? I don’t know, because luckily I tend to forget negative emotions as quickly as possible, so I can’t say if it’s the worst or not. But it has definitely been very disappointing.”
A long road ahead for Ferrari
When asked about Ferrari’s real prospects for 2026, Charles Leclerc remained cautious: “How is Ferrari positioned for 2026? I have no idea, because we don’t know where the others stand. There are so many unknowns, and I prefer not to say anything and wait for the first races next year to see where we are compared to our rivals. In the meantime, I will focus on the project and try to work in the best possible way.”
With a winter of intense development ahead and the entire grid starting from scratch, Charles Leclerc’s “now or never” warning underscores the pressure on Maranello. The Tifosi have waited long enough – 2026 could finally be the year Ferrari deliver the title-contending car their star driver deserves.
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