Monday, December 29, 2025

Charles Leclerc Reveals Ferrari’s Passion Dilemma: “Highs Are Higher, But Lows Are Much Lower”

Charles Leclerc has opened up about the intense passion within Ferrari, explaining how this emotional drive can both inspire and challenge the team amid a difficult season. Despite being among the favorites to contend for the 2025 championship after showing strong performance last year, Ferrari has struggled to maintain their momentum against rivals like McLaren.

Understanding Ferrari’s Emotional Intensity

Leclerc highlighted the unique culture at Ferrari, where passion permeates every level, from the garage to the factory in Maranello. However, he cautioned that this strong emotional commitment can sometimes hinder the team, especially during tough periods. The passion that motivates everyone to give their best also amplifies the pressure when results don’t meet expectations.

“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 his role in managing these emotional highs and lows. While highly passionate, Ferrari must maintain composure and focus, especially when faced with setbacks.

“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.”

Ferrari’s Struggle to Regain Competitiveness

The current season has been challenging for Ferrari. Despite their promising form last year, the team has regularly found itself off the pace compared to dominant McLaren cars, managing very few race wins. This inconsistency continues a long-standing pattern where Ferrari finishes strong by season’s end but fails to carry that momentum into the following year, resulting in missed championships.

Charles Leclerc
Image of: Charles Leclerc

This cycle of erratic performance has fueled speculation about Leclerc’s future with the team. Many wondered if he would consider leaving due to the team’s struggles to reclaim their former glory. Yet, Leclerc’s response made it clear that his commitment to Ferrari remains steadfast.

Leclerc’s Firm Commitment to Ferrari’s Future

Since joining Ferrari in 2019, Charles Leclerc has experienced the team’s peaks and troughs but has remained loyal throughout. Amid recent rumors suggesting he might explore opportunities elsewhere, Leclerc reaffirmed his dedication to the Italian outfit, signaling that he may end his racing career with the Scuderia.

“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].”

Leclerc’s statement underlines his desire to help reverse Ferrari’s fortunes alongside Vasseur and teammate Lewis Hamilton, emphasizing patient progress rather than sudden change.

Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Path to Recovery

Currently holding second place in the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari faces pressure to close the gap with McLaren and other frontrunners. The team anticipates improvement following an upcoming suspension upgrade at the Belgian Grand Prix, a development that has already shown encouraging signs during testing.

Ferrari’s passionate but sometimes turbulent culture remains a double-edged sword: it fuels determination but can deepen frustration. Leclerc’s reflections reveal the emotional complexity at the heart of the team’s pursuit for success. How Ferrari manages these extremes could be key to breaking their cycle of fluctuating performance and reclaiming consistent championship contention in the near future.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Charles Leclerc a millionaire?

A. Charles Leclerc’s wealth has rapidly increased in the past few years. 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 Université de Montréal, following a model that combined clinical work and research. His doctoral research, which resulted in several scientific publications, examined how the brain reorganizes itself when certain areas receive little or no stimulation.

Q. Is Charles Leclerc a doctor?

A. Charles has a PhD in Medicine and a Post-Graduate degree in clinical pathology, as well as an MBA from EM Lyon.