Present and future—for Ferrari and Charles Leclerc—could soon become a race against time in F1. The Monegasque driver, born in 1997, is still chasing his first world title. Max Verstappen, at the same age, has already won four and is fighting for a fifth. Meanwhile, the new wave is coming: Oscar Piastri, with McLaren, and possibly a future Ferrari driver, Oliver Bearman, with Haas.
An eternal love, a vow of loyalty renewed Grand Prix after Grand Prix, season after season. Entities that seem inseparable: Charles Leclerc, “the Predestined”, the one who, seven years ago, walked through the gates of Maranello and became the soul and leader of the Prancing Horse. Seven years of hope, promises, unparalleled joy, but also disappointment, defeat, and heartache.
Eight victories for him: the first, unforgettable, at Spa-Francorchamps, immediately followed by success in front of all of Italy, at Monza. Then Bahrain, Australia, Austria, Monaco, and Monza again, with his latest win coming in Austin last season. Joys, as we said. Meanwhile, however, Max Verstappen—his same age—is racking up world titles. This year, while the SF-25 continues to struggle, he is fighting for his fifth.
The rising new wave: Norris, Piastri, Bearman and others
In Formula 1, age is increasingly just a number. Fernando Alonso proves it—he’s 43 and hopes to fight for the title next season with the Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin. Still, Charles Leclerc is no longer a fresh and dazzling rookie: at 27, he’s a mature driver, in the peak years of his potential, as shown on track.
Yet the favorites for the 2025 title are the younger McLaren duo: Lando Norris (25) and Oscar Piastri (24) could win their first world title before the Monegasque. And this is also the year of rookies, among whom one name stands out above all: Oliver Bearman. The Englishman, just 20 years old, is the chosen one for Ferrari after Lewis Hamilton’s departure in two or more seasons.
Thinking that all this could cloud the mind of #16 would be a mistake. Love is love, and Charles’s vow to Ferrari is as pure as can be. And love, sometimes, is also sacrifice, waiting, and patience—in the world of sport. But love must be reciprocated: it’s up to Maranello, now more than ever, to reward the Monegasque’s loyalty. Time, slow but relentless, passes for everyone.
A “powerful and overbearing” generation: Vanzini’s remark
Unless Ferrari makes a major comeback, all this could become a key issue in the near future. A point also made by Italian journalist Carlo Vanzini on his YouTube channel: “A generational shift is already starting, with no disrespect to Max and Charles, who were born in 1997. If you look at the 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 drivers, a powerful and overbearing generation is coming.”
“Max has already won world titles and can win more. For Charles, time is passing—the next Ferrari driver could be Bearman, who’s just 20 years old. The years go by: at the same age, with similar careers, ambitions, and the quality with which they arrived in Formula 1, one has won four world titles and the other has won eight Grands Prix with Ferrari.”
“Then again, the emotion of winning a Grand Prix with Ferrari, these days, is incredibly powerful—because it’s almost impossible. On the other hand, when you’re already strong and your team gives you an extremely competitive car, these are the results. Whether it’s Piastri’s year, or Norris’s, or even Williams or Aston Martin, it’s a particular situation for Charles.”
“Total love, seven years together, and he’s delivered results as much as he could, given the cars he’s had at his disposal.”
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