Confident after recent progress, Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari now has the tools to compete for the championship.
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The message from Charles Leclerc is clear: Ferrari is progressing in the right direction. After several frustrating seasons, the Monegasque driver feels a real turning point in 2026.
“We have made a lot of progress with the car. It is really good and I enjoy driving it,” he explains. A crucial feeling for a driver, often indicative of the overall potential of the single-seater.
Leclerc also emphasizes the work done internally: “The team is doing a very good job, the engineers too.” A sign that the dynamic finally seems positive in Maranello.
The potential is there, it remains to be exploited
For Leclerc, the question is no longer about potential, but about its exploitation. He believes that the car now allows him to express himself fully.
“The speed is there, now it all depends on me,” he states with lucidity.
The driver knows that the difference will be made on details: “I have to seize every opportunity, be consistent and avoid mistakes.” A pragmatic approach, essential in a long and demanding season.
Currently, Ferrari appears to be the second force on the grid, behind a Mercedes team particularly dominant at the start of the 2026 F1 season.
But the gap could narrow in the coming weeks. Technical developments are expected, particularly from the Miami Grand Prix, with the hope of making a leap in performance. In the longer term, engine gains could also play a key role in the title fight.
Consistency as the key to the championship
Leclerc knows: the season is not played over a few races, but over time. Consistency will be crucial to stay in the fight.
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“The championship is long, many things can change,” he reminds us.
His objective is clear: “If you are consistent, you will be in the game until the end.” A philosophy that could make the difference against sometimes more inconsistent opponents.
Beyond pure performance, Leclerc highlights an often underestimated element: the quality of collaboration with his engineer.
“We are on the same wavelength, we understand each other perfectly,” he confides.
This internal stability could prove valuable for optimizing performance and reacting quickly to season developments.
An assumed ambition
Leclerc’s final message leaves no room for doubt: “Can we fight for the title? Yes, I think so,” he affirms.
For him, all the conditions are met: a competitive car, a high-performing team, and intact motivation.
“I am optimistic. We have everything we need,” he concludes.
Now it remains to transform this confidence into concrete results. But one thing is certain: Ferrari has not said its last word in the fight for the 2026 championship.
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