Leo Turrini questions Ferrari’s outlook and raises concerns for 2026. Charles Leclerc secured second place for Ferrari in Monaco, but Leo Turrini warns against “false beliefs”.

In a sleepy Monte Carlo, Charles Leclerc and Ferrari returned to the F1 podium—a result, but one that should be treated cautiously, according to Leo Turrini. After all, even Charles Leclerc himself—the Monegasque driver who had already reached the podium in Saudi Arabia—seemed rather detached after the race. The outcome is positive, in a Grand Prix that brings important points to Maranello, but in Monaco, McLaren’s dominance still reigns supreme.

It’s all a matter of perspective: Charles Leclerc’s second place in his home race can take on very different tones and interpretations. In this current Ferrari era, where even aiming for the podium feels like a minor triumph, it’s certainly a small satisfaction. But if the promises at the start of the season were to fight for the World Championship, Monte Carlo marks yet another knockout blow delivered by McLaren.

Charles Leclerc seems fully aware of this. After the race, in the press conference, he didn’t express much enthusiasm: “Looking at the season as a whole, it’s a positive result, but I’m never happy with second place.” Words befitting a true champion, which reveal illusions and potential false beliefs following the race in the Principality. His focus now immediately shifts to Barcelona—the real turning point of Ferrari’s season.

Leo Turrini: “After Spain, it might be time to think about 2026”
Many in the paddock are hoping: in Barcelona, with the new technical directive on flexible wings, there could be a performance reset. McLaren might falter, and Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes could regain momentum. But what if that doesn’t happen? “The optimists (the deluded?) believe in it—and of course I hope for it too. It’s possible, but it’s fair to be doubtful,” wrote Leo Turrini on the Quotidiano Nazionale website.

“The teams have known for months that the regulation is changing,” continued the journalist. “It’s hard to imagine that Andrea Stella, the excellent Italian leader of the Papaya team, would be caught off guard. Will Ferrari be able to seize the opportunity to put Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in a position to fight for more than just decent placements? Or is it time to (melancholically) shift resources and hopes to 2026?” – the Italian journalist pointed out.

Commenting on the Monaco Grand Prix, the picture is clear: “It’s the best result of the season for the SF-25, but it can’t be enough—unless we choose to live with false beliefs. For now, despite the grit of the relentless Verstappen, the title fight is exclusively between Norris, who deservedly triumphed yesterday, and Oscar Piastri. They’ve got a rocket ship in their hands and have won six out of eight Grands Prix.”