Leclerc is unwilling to give up on his championship aspirations.

      "Certainly, the title race remains competitive."

      Charles Leclerc emphasizes that Ferrari is still very much in contention for the 2026 championship, despite the strong start to the season by Mercedes. As he arrives in Monaco, Leclerc faces pressure after Lewis Hamilton outshone him during the Canadian GP weekend, yet many still consider Ferrari a favorite for the upcoming race in Monte Carlo.

      Former Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko believes that Monaco's unique challenges might finally put an end to Mercedes' winning streak. "It’s evident that Mercedes is the top team," he stated in an interview with Osterreich newspaper. "They possess the best engine and set the benchmark with their battery technology. For the first time since 2021, they have created a competitive chassis, and their driver lineup is formidable."

      Marko noted that the biggest threat to Mercedes could be their own drivers. "It's refreshing to see how well Antonelli is performing," he remarked. "However, Russell is the seasoned one - he will retaliate. Their internal competition is the only glimmer of hope; otherwise, Mercedes is far ahead."

      When asked specifically about Monaco, Marko pointed to potential struggles for Mercedes. "They may have difficulty with the slow corners," he indicated. "I see Leclerc excelling there—he’s familiar with those corners and is my favorite for qualifying. The driver who leads in Monaco tends to secure the victory."

      Leclerc is also optimistic about Ferrari's chances in the championship, despite Mercedes having won every race thus far this season. "Of course, the title race is open," the Monegasque told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "This season could unfold in various ways, and the championship race remains accessible. We need to keep working hard and sustain our enthusiasm, particularly within the team."

      He pointed out that the introduction of Formula 1’s new regulations offers hope. "Can we surpass Mercedes? Absolutely," he affirmed. "In a season like this, with new technical regulations, teams can evolve rapidly as they refine their cars. We learned a lot about our car early on and subsequently focused on significant updates in Maranello. Last year demonstrated how swiftly the balance of power can shift."

      Reports indicate that Ferrari is still vigorously pursuing advancements in both aerodynamics and power units to narrow the gap with Mercedes. Leclerc mentioned that the atmosphere in Maranello reflects this urgency. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team work so hard," he stated. "We have a very aggressive mindset right now, which I truly appreciate, and it’s evident in everything—production, innovation, and the risks we’ve embraced."

      At the same time, he believes that Ferrari is now employing a more composed and mature approach compared to previous years. "There’s another difference I perceive," Leclerc noted. "Calmness. We aim for results, but we also maintain a level-headed approach in managing all processes, which we lacked a few seasons ago."

      Leclerc has confirmed his commitment to Ferrari as he extends his contract. Scuderia Ferrari HP has announced the continuation of its partnership with Charles Leclerc for the forthcoming seasons of the Formula 1 World Championship.

      Their journey together has deep roots, as Charles joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016. The Scuderia has always been central to his career, from winning the Formula 2 title in 2017 to making his Formula 1 debut the following year before joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2019. Since then, Charles has become a pivotal figure in the team, recognized for his speed, talent, and competitive spirit. Throughout the years, he has provided Ferrari fans with memorable victories, pole positions, and podium finishes, becoming an integral part of the Scuderia’s legacy. At just 28 years old, he is already the second-most experienced driver in Ferrari's Formula 1 history and ranks second for pole positions, trailing only Michael Schumacher. Beyond his achievements, Charles has cultivated a special bond with the team and fans worldwide, sharing the Scuderia’s ambitions and embodying a strong sense of belonging and commitment to improvement.

      Charles Leclerc expressed his happiness in continuing with Scuderia Ferrari HP. "I couldn’t be happier to extend this journey with Scuderia Ferrari HP. It has always meant more to me than just a team. It’s the organization I’ve loved and aspired to be part of since childhood, and after all these years, it has become a second family. Together, we’ve experienced incredible moments and some challenges, but my belief in this team is stronger than ever, and I am sincerely grateful that we will keep striving together to bring the World Championship back to Maranello. Being a Ferrari driver is a dream, but it also carries a responsibility I never take lightly. I’ll continue to give everything I have to elevate this team back to where it rightfully belongs, at the top, for everyone in Maran