P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc still has faith in Ferrari, but knows how critical it will be for the Italian team to start the new era of F1 on “the right foot”.
Charles Leclerc emphasizes the importance of Ferrari commencing the 2026 Formula 1 season on a positive note under the revised regulations. Despite this, he expresses his confidence in Ferrari’s efforts to excel with the new F1 cars, featuring fresh power units alongside adjusted chassis and aerodynamic regulations. While Ferrari has been competitive during the ground effect era, the team has mostly secured podium finishes and wins over the past four years. Although they narrowly missed out on the constructors’ championship in 2025, Ferrari now trails McLaren in the current season and is yet to secure a grand prix victory in the first 14 rounds. With pressure mounting on the team and key figures like Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and team principal Fred Vasseur, Leclerc believes in Ferrari’s potential for success in the upcoming era while stressing the crucial role of starting strong to end the team’s prolonged title drought. Leclerc acknowledges the importance of avoiding a performance deficit in the new era, highlighting the challenges of closing the gap if not starting competitively. He remains wholeheartedly dedicated to revitalizing Ferrari’s success and returning the team to the winner’s circle.
