Charles Leclerc has declared it is “now or never” for Ferrari to return to the front of the grid as new technical regulations come into play next year.
Ferrari entered the 2025 campaign hoping to challenge for the F1 title, having narrowly missed out on the constructors' championship last season.
It was also buoyed by the arrival of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined after ending his long tenure with Mercedes.
However, Ferrari endured a miserable campaign as it failed to win a single grand prix all year, while Hamilton suffered the first podium-less season of his career.
The grid is facing a reset for next year due to significant changes to both the power unit and chassis, with Leclerc seeing a considerable opportunity for Ferrari following its latest disappointment.
“It's tough but at the same time, the whole team is hugely motivated for next year,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365
“It's such a big change, a huge opportunity to show what Ferrari is capable of.
“It's now and ever so I really hope that we will start this new era on the right foot. It's important for the four years after.”
The Italian squad is currently enduring a long title drought, having last stood atop a championship table in 2008.
When asked if he still believes he can be a champion with Ferrari, Leclerc replied: “I do. And next year will be a crucial year.”
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Lando Norris' title victory is a major talking point, as is the hinted major changes at Red Bull after Max Verstappen's reign ended.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Don't miss out on any of the Formula 1 action thanks to this handy 2026 F1 calendar that can be easily loaded into your smartphone or PC.
Download the calenderMost read
In this article
Join the conversation!