The 2025 Formula 1 season has officially ended, and once again Charles Leclerc found himself watching his rivals battle for the World Championship. The sense of disappointment is overwhelming, and the Monegasque driver openly explained what he felt as another competitor celebrated in Abu Dhabi.
For Ferrari, this season has been marked by frustration and regret — emotions Charles Leclerc has unfortunately become familiar with. Since joining the Scuderia, he has never had a truly competitive car capable of keeping him in the championship fight until the final races. Once again, in Abu Dhabi, he could only watch others lift the trophy. Here is what he experienced when confronted with such a painful moment.
Throughout 2025, Charles Leclerc was effectively Ferrari’s lifeline. While his teammate completed his rookie season without scoring a single podium, the number 16 driver dragged the Maranello team forward with an impressive seven podium finishes. Even so, it is still far from enough, because Charles Leclerc’s true target has always been the World Championship.
Leclerc after Abu Dhabi: “It hurts…”
“It hurts. It hurts after so long, it’s difficult. I am still a Formula 1 driver and still a Ferrari driver. For that reason, I am incredibly lucky to be in this position and to do what I love. So everything is relative. But I definitely want to win, and that’s why it hurts to see others going out there and fighting for the title while I was unfortunately out of the battle this year. That said, in a season like this, I have to be honest with myself and also take the positives — the ones I can bring home from a disappointing year. When it comes to my performances, I’m quite happy.”
He added: “Now we will work with the team, and I also know this year has been difficult because we focused a lot on next season. I hope that will help us make some steps forward at the start of next year.” – the 28-year-old driver pointed out at the end of the Yas Marina round.
These were Charles Leclerc’s comments to Sky Sport F1 after the final race of the season. Yet again, he underlined how strong his desire to win is — and this becomes a very clear message directed at Ferrari. After seven years together, the Scuderia must finally provide him with a car capable of fighting for the championship.
The 2026 campaign could realistically be Charles Leclerc’s last chance to fight for the title in red. If Ferrari fails once more to give him the machinery he needs, it would represent a major failure for the Maranello team. There is no more room for errors. The message from the Monegasque could not be clearer.
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