Charles Leclerc, the talented Monegasque driver, achieved a significant milestone last Sunday in Jeddah. With this third-place finish, five races into the 2025 season, Leclerc bolstered Ferrari’s prospects in the Constructors’ Championship and renewed fans’ optimism. Starting from fourth position, Leclerc showcased a flawless performance, narrowly keeping McLaren’s Lando Norris at bay to secure a much-celebrated podium finish.
Leclerc started his race on medium tires, adopting a strategic approach that paid off. By extending his first stint until lap 29, he could switch to hard tires, gaining an advantage over George Russell and Norris as the race progressed. Lando Norris, opting for an opposite strategy, finished on medium tires and posed a significant challenge, especially towards the end. Nevertheless, Leclerc managed to stay ahead, finishing the race just over a second clear of the British driver.
This podium finish marked a pivotal moment for both Leclerc and Ferrari, as it was the team’s first podium of the season and elevated Leclerc in Ferrari’s historic record books. With this achievement, he has now finished on the podium in seven consecutive seasons for Ferrari, a feat achieved by only a select few, with Michael Schumacher at the top, who secured top-three finishes in 11 straight seasons from 1996 to 2006.
Beyond the streak, the Jeddah podium allowed Leclerc to tie with Fernando Alonso as the fifth-highest podium scorer in Ferrari’s illustrious history, both with 44 podiums. This legacy places him among legends such as Kimi Raikkonen, Rubens Barrichello, Sebastian Vettel, and Schumacher, who has an unsurpassed 116 podiums with Ferrari.
As Leclerc continues to be a vital part of Ferrari’s future, especially after signing a long-term contract, his trajectory is set towards even greater achievements. Many anticipate he will climb higher on Ferrari’s record books, potentially surpassing some of the aforementioned names, and perhaps, one day, breaking Schumacher’s legendary record.
This recent success not only highlights Leclerc’s impressive skills but also serves as a testament to Ferrari’s enduring quest for competitive glory. With Leclerc steering the team towards promising horizons, the excitement among fans is palpable, with hopes of recapturing past glories and setting new benchmarks echoing across the racing world.
