Ferrari began the season aiming to challenge for both world titles after finishing runners-up in the Constructors’ Championship last year.
However, after 19 rounds, the Scuderia are still searching for their first victory of the season, having slipped behind Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes in the pecking order.
Recent speculation suggested team principal Frederic Vasseur’s position could be under threat, but Ferrari moved quickly to quash the rumours last weekend, confirming their full support for the Frenchman, who signed a multi-year extension earlier this year.
Leclerc has said he remains confident Ferrari can return to winning ways, pointing to changes within the team and the arrival of fresh talent. “I know the people, and we are pushing massively to improve our processes and the way we work,” he told reporters. “There are also new people joining with different mindsets and approaches, which gives me a lot of optimism for the future.”
The Monegasque driver confirmed Ferrari have already shifted their focus towards developing the 2026 car, which will be built around Formula 1’s new technical regulations. The early switch in resources, Leclerc believes, is a calculated move that could prove crucial next season.
“Next year will be a very important turning point, and I’m optimistic because I know the team and I know we are working in the right direction,” Leclerc said.
“Some of our competitors have brought upgrades recently, so it might look like we’ve lost a bit of performance, but that’s expected when others develop and we don’t. It’s a choice, and hopefully one that pays off at the start of next year.”
Ferrari will hope to end their season on a high this weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix, held over 71 laps of the 4.304-kilometre Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Sunday, 26 October.
