Charles Leclerc is already looking ahead to the 2026 season while trying to temper the expectations that always surround Ferrari: the words of the Monegasque star.
The 2025 Formula 1 season concludes with a fourth-place finish for Charles Leclerc behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF-25, and he immediately works to moderate expectations for 2026. After a difficult weekend in Qatar, Abu Dhabi showed a very different Ferrari — one capable of putting pressure on Lando Norris’ McLaren during the first stint of the race. The Monegasque is now fully focused on the upcoming season.
Leclerc chasing Norris in Abu Dhabi
Starting from fifth on the grid, Charles Leclerc immediately applied pressure to world championship leader Lando Norris. Constantly within DRS range of the McLaren number 4, Charles tried in every possible way to claim the final podium spot but was unable to do so. In the second stint, the MCL39 revealed its superior pace, gaining a solid advantage over the Ferrari.
Thus concludes a very difficult season for Ferrari, with fourth and eighth place finishes, no victories, and very few highlights. For the next season, Scuderia Ferrari will need to deliver a car capable of immediately challenging its direct rivals and fighting for the world championship until the final race.
Charles Leclerc on 2026 and expectations
In an interview with Sky Sport after the Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc discussed the annual expectations surrounding Ferrari and looked ahead to 2026. “I don’t think setting expectations really makes a difference. When they appear, of course, things start circulating that ultimately aren’t real. This year, we could have communicated better, but when you combine two icons of this sport — Hamilton and Ferrari — it’s impossible to manage all the attention around the team.”
“So the expectations this year were created by the situation at Ferrari, not because of us. Everything else around it is out of our control.” Reflecting on the season, Charles admitted his disappointment: “Looking at the standings and seeing us over 400 points behind McLaren hurts a lot. Expectations for 2026? I don’t have any at all. Everyone has a clean slate, and I wouldn’t even know where to start.” – the Monegasque driver concluded at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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