Scenes from Abu Dhabi: Charles Leclerc, in his seventh year with Ferrari, gently touches the trophy destined for the Formula 1 World Champion during the press conference.
The dreams of Charles Leclerc: at Abu Dhabi, the Ferrari driver caresses the trophy that will go to the F1 World Champion. This year as well, the Monegasque will only be a spectator, far behind in the standings compared to Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. However, the #16 assures fans that if he were in contention with any of the three title rivals, he would not hold back.
The final race of the season will award the World Championship to one of Lando Norris – the championship leader heading into the weekend – Max Verstappen, or Oscar Piastri. The battle remains wide open, even though the British driver’s lead over his two rivals (12 points ahead of Verstappen, 16 ahead of Piastri) allows him to become champion even by finishing on the podium.
The highly anticipated press conference, held in a room packed with journalists and photographers, took place in the presence of the coveted World Champion trophy. Of the three title contenders, Max Verstappen is the only one to have lifted it before, and he has done so four times. Many other incredibly talented drivers have yet to have the right opportunity to fight for victory. One of them is, without a doubt, Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc: “I’d rather win for Ferrari than help others”
As he arrived in the press room, Charles Leclerc approached the trophy and gently touched it. The gesture, almost tender, perfectly represents the greatest dream of every driver who battles on track each Sunday. Leclerc has never had the mechanical tools to fight against Red Bull or McLaren, but the goal is postponed to 2026.
Meanwhile, he spoke about the title fight between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri, assuring that he would not favor any of the three: “I’d rather win the race and have nothing to do with them. But if I were second, third, or fourth, I would behave the same way, whoever was behind me. I fight for Ferrari and want to maximize the potential of the car.” – the Monegasque driver pointed out ahead of the final round of the season, which is set to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit, the 5.281 km motorsport racing track situated on Yas Island.
For now, though, the 2025 crown will unfortunately go to someone else. Yet Charles Leclerc’s gentle caress of the silverware served as a poignant reminder: the dream is still very much alive, and 2026 can’t come soon enough.
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