Charles Leclerc Says “2026 is Now or Never”

Charles Leclerc says Ferrari’s progress in 2026 will play a defining role in his future with the team, calling next season a “now or never” moment for the Scuderia.

After a difficult 2025 campaign in which Ferrari failed to win a grand prix and struggled with an inconsistent car, Leclerc is cautiously optimistic that the team’s early investment in its 2026 project will pay off under the new regulations. Still, he is fully aware of how critical it will be for Ferrari to start strongly in the new era.

With fresh power unit and chassis rules coming into effect, any early design misstep could leave a team trapped at the back of the grid for years. And while Leclerc is tied to Ferrari long-term, ongoing rumors linking him to other teams amplify the significance of next season.

When asked whether he still believed he could become world champion with Ferrari despite the current struggles, Leclerc responded: “I do. And next year will be a crucial year.”

Ferrari shifted its design group away from 2025 development as early as April, hoping to gain a competitive head start for 2026. But with every team confident it has begun preparations early enough, not all will succeed, adding pressure to deliver immediately.

Leclerc believes that the opening phase of 2026 will essentially determine the competitive order for several years.

“It’s tough, but the whole team is hugely motivated for next year because it’s such a big regulation change, a huge opportunity to show what Ferrari is capable of,” he said. “And it’s now or never. I really hope we start this new era on the right foot, because it’s important for the four years after.”

He expects the true competitive picture to emerge within the first third of the season.

“Maybe not in the first three or four races, but by race six or seven we’ll have a clear idea of who will be dominating for the four years after.”

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, however, does not share the same sense of heightened urgency. He believes Leclerc’s posture is normal for a top driver pushing for rapid progress.

“We’re simply trying to improve every single area, engine, gearbox, aero, set-up, simulator,” Vasseur said. “That’s the DNA of our work. And every driver is pushing their team. Max pushes Red Bull to the limit. Lando pushes McLaren. That’s what we expect.

“If Charles or Lewis were completely satisfied with the car, I’d be worried. Their drive for more is a positive, not a concern.”

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Written by

James Rees

A passionate motorsport journalist from Wales, with over 30 years of love for the sport. A dedicated father of three, working as a content manager, covering the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and IndyCar.

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