Charles Leclerc: Leading Ferrari’s Charge in a Challenging 2025 Formula 1 Season

Ferrari’s Leading Man in a Transitional Year

In a challenging 2025 Formula 1 season, with 10 races completed, Ferrari is yet to secure a race win, with Charles Leclerc managing three podiums while his new teammate Lewis Hamilton’s best finish is fourth. McLaren and Red Bull have dominated the winner’s circle.

Leclerc’s strongest performance came at his home race in Monaco, where he secured second place. This achievement is particularly notable as 2025 marks his seventh year with Ferrari, having joined the team after his debut season with Sauber in 2018.

Performance Against Hamilton

In the internal team battle, Leclerc has demonstrated impressive form against his illustrious new teammate, leading Hamilton 10-4 in qualifying sessions with an average position of 5.1 compared to Hamilton’s 8.4. In races, Leclerc maintains the upper hand with an 11-2 advantage, averaging fifth place to Hamilton’s 6.5.

Season Highlights and Challenges

A notable highlight came in Hungary, where Leclerc secured Ferrari’s first pole position of the 2025 season in what became the closest Q3 in Formula 1 history, with just 0.543 seconds separating the top 10. This marked Leclerc’s 27th career pole position, moving him past Mika Häkkinen in the all-time rankings.

Looking Forward

Despite the underwhelming results, Leclerc remains optimistic. While acknowledging that Ferrari entered the season hoping to challenge McLaren and Red Bull for the championship, he emphasizes that their performance isn’t “shocking.” The team currently holds third place in the constructors’ championship, though Leclerc admits this isn’t satisfactory, and they need to understand McLaren’s significant progress.

With stable leadership, a refined car, and his proven race-winning abilities alongside Hamilton’s championship experience, Ferrari’s target remains clear: returning to title-winning ways.