Charles Leclerc recently reflected on Ferrari’s internal culture, emphasizing that the team’s intense passion might be affecting their performance this season. Despite starting 2025 as one of the championship favorites following a strong previous year, Ferrari has struggled to maintain their momentum against competitors like McLaren.
Leclerc highlighted the emotional energy within Ferrari’s ranks, from the Maranello factory to the garage at the tracks, noting that while passion drives the team to work harder, it can also create challenges during tough periods. Speaking with The Times, he disclosed that their enthusiasm sometimes makes setbacks even harder to cope with but also motivates extra effort to improve results.
“I still think that passion can be detrimental sometimes,” Charles Leclerc told The Times. “Whenever you are going through difficult times, if you have a lot of passion, then it makes these times even more difficult, but it also helps us to give so much whenever you’ve got to do the extra hour in order to turn the situation around. I have no doubts that at the factory, just like here, everybody is putting their heart into it to turn the situation around.”
Leclerc also praised team principal Frederic Vasseur for managing the emotions within the team, aiming to maintain steadiness amid fluctuating results. Vasseur’s approach helps the team navigate both the highs and lows of competition without excessive emotional reactions.
“Fred [Vasseur, the team principal] has played a huge part, trying to keep the emotions as balanced as possible, and not reacting too much. But this is tricky, because sometimes you’ve got very difficult situations that you’ve got to face and, as Ferrari, the highs are higher and the lows are also lower.”
The current season remains difficult for Ferrari, who have not been able to deliver the race-winning pace expected based on last year’s performance. While McLaren has surged ahead with faster development, Ferrari has struggled to consistently challenge for victories.
This pattern of fluctuating form is not new for Ferrari. They often demonstrate strong finishes to seasons but fail to sustain that success year after year, leading to missed championship opportunities. These inconsistencies have fueled speculation about Leclerc’s future with the team.
Charles Leclerc Affirms Commitment to Ferrari for the Long Term
Leclerc, who joined Ferrari in 2019, has experienced both success and disappointment during his tenure but remains deeply committed to the team. Despite rumors suggesting he might explore other opportunities due to Ferrari’s challenges, Leclerc recently made it clear he intends to stay.
His multi-year contract reportedly extends through 2029, and he expressed strong loyalty to the team, focusing exclusively on helping Ferrari regain its top position in Formula 1 alongside Vasseur and teammate Lewis Hamilton.
“I am, of course [committed as ever],” Charles Leclerc added. “My contract is still very much there for quite a few years [thought to be until 2029]. I’ve always said how much I love this team, and at the moment my only obsession is to try and bring Ferrari back to the top. That’s with Fred and Lewis.”
“At the moment I don’t see myself anywhere else other than Ferrari. It is very possible that this would be the case for me [to end his career there].”
Currently, Ferrari holds second place in the Constructors’ Championship. Although their race pace has lagged behind leading teams like McLaren, improvements are anticipated. The team’s upcoming suspension upgrade, expected to be introduced in Belgium, has reportedly delivered promising results through testing.
The internal tension surrounding passion and performance, paired with Leclerc’s dedication, suggests Ferrari is determined to overcome this season’s difficulties. How the team leverages its emotional intensity along with technical upgrades could shape their trajectory in the remaining races and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Charles Leclerc a millionaire?
A. In recent years, Charles Leclerc’s wealth has increased rapidly. By 2025, it is expected to reach about $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth and Planet F1.
Q. Does Charles Leclerc have a PhD?
A. Charles Leclerc pursued advanced studies in neuropsychology at the Université de Montréal, following a model that combines clinical practice and scientific research.
His doctoral thesis investigated how the brain reorganizes itself when certain areas receive little or no stimulation. This research resulted in several scientific publications.
Q. Is Charles Leclerc a doctor?
A. Charles has a PhD in Medicine and also completed a Post-Graduate Degree in clinical pathology. He earned an MBA from EM Lyon as well.