Leclerc defends his loyalty to Ferrari in light of rumors.

      "If we win, I’ll be devoted to them completely."

      19 September 2025 - 07:30

      Charles Leclerc has dismissed notions that he is losing patience with Ferrari, despite another season without a title contention. Recent reports from Italy connected the Monegasque’s remarks, including a harsh critique of how the 2026 car performed in the simulator, to growing frustration at Maranello. However, speaking to Sky Italia in Baku, Leclerc clarified: "What I expressed before wasn’t aimed at Ferrari but at the regulations. I won’t discuss that any further. If we win, I’ll adore them completely."

      "Let’s aim to begin this new era positively, but the reality is that there are too many uncertainties for everyone, and we don’t know what to expect."

      He also downplayed rumors regarding a potential departure from Ferrari due to frustration. "I have a deep love for this team, and I believe that’s the answer," stated the 27-year-old. "I’ve always cherished Ferrari, and that’s where my motivation stems from, as I want to bring it back to the top, whatever it takes. I will do everything possible until I lose faith in this project, but at this moment, I am fully committed to it and working diligently, and that drives me."

      Recognizing Ferrari’s distance from McLaren this year, Leclerc admitted: "It’s disappointing compared to our expectations, but it’s the current situation. As a driver, I need to maximize it, not just for the team but for myself. I’m very competitive, so continuous improvement is essential."

      Leclerc mentioned that he has learned to handle the pressure of racing for Ferrari since his early days. "Since then, it’s crucial to step back and not react impulsively to emotions or comments," he reflected.

      Regarding the contentious 2026 regulations, he noted that since expressing his feelings about the simulator experience, much has changed. "The speed of development is remarkable. I still believe it will bring significant changes, and there will be elements that are challenging to adjust," said Leclerc. "But I see it as a challenge. I’m confident that if we win, I will embrace these regulations. Conversely, if we don’t, it could be a long four years until the next revision."

      Finally, responding to Max Verstappen’s recent assertion that Leclerc might be the best driver in Formula 1, he said: "There’s a great deal of respect between us. We grew up together and have competed against each other for many years. Unfortunately, we haven’t had a proper competition in F1 yet. I hope that day will come."