Charles Leclerc’s passion for the legendary Ferrari Formula 1 team runs far deeper than a typical driver-team relationship; for him, it is a genuine “obsession” with the squad that first gave him his opportunity in Formula 1.
Ahead of the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari confirmed the contract extension of team principal Frédéric Vasseur, providing much-needed stability for the team as it prepares for the 2026 regulation changes. Leclerc expressed his satisfaction with Vasseur’s renewal during Thursday’s media sessions, emphasizing the “big difference” Vasseur has made in guiding Ferrari forward.
Despite encountering difficulties with the SF-25 car this season, Leclerc has clearly outperformed his new teammate Lewis Hamilton. The 27-year-old Monegasque has secured four podium finishes in the last six Grands Prix, a feat Hamilton has yet to match since joining Ferrari.
Winning for Ferrari Is Charles Leclerc’s “Only Obsession”
In an interview with Sky Sport Italia before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Leclerc was asked about the growing likelihood of a McLaren driver clinching the drivers’ championship this year. He responded by affirming that driving for Ferrari holds immense significance for him, calling it “a great deal.” He explained that his motivation has always been centered on the team as a whole—the iconic Ferrari organization.
The Monegasque acknowledged it is a true honour to be part of Ferrari and stressed that his primary goal at present is to deliver victories for the Scuderia. He expressed deep gratitude towards Ferrari for believing in him, bringing him into Formula 1, and subsequently promoting him into the Ferrari driver seat. Now, he feels it is their shared responsibility to restore the team to its former glory.
While Charles Leclerc admitted he notices and respects the successes of drivers like Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris, what truly matters to him is pushing Ferrari back to the top of the sport. He also viewed the extension of Vasseur’s contract as a positive step towards this objective, and reiterated his commitment to working closely with Fred Vasseur, Hamilton, and the entire Ferrari team to secure victories once more, describing winning as his “only obsession.”
Ferrari and Charles Leclerc “Are Not Satisfied” with Their Current Position in Formula 1
Following McLaren’s emergence as early favourites for the 2025 title at the season opener in Australia, Ferrari has spent much of the campaign trying to close the gap. the Monegasque driver acknowledged that although there have been incremental improvements within the team, Ferrari’s current standing is far from satisfactory.
He explained that progress is coming “little by little,” but Ferrari is still clearly not where it wants to be. Leclerc emphasized that Ferrari is a team built to win and cannot be content with anything less than the top spot.
At the same time, he recognised McLaren’s tremendous development this year. Unfortunately for Ferrari, their own progress has been more modest, with the team currently battling Mercedes and Red Bull for second place in the Constructors’ Championship. Leclerc stressed that while the road ahead remains long, the signs of advancement are encouraging.
One tangible example of Ferrari’s recent improvements came with the introduction of the rear suspension upgrade at the Belgian Grand Prix. Leclerc was able to leverage the enhanced rear stability this upgrade provided, allowing him to fend off Max Verstappen for the majority of the race and showcase the potential Ferrari has begun to unlock.
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