In the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1, loyalty to a team is a rare gem that can shape a driver’s legacy. One prime example of this loyalty is Lewis Hamilton’s enduring partnership with Mercedes since 2013, recently extended until 2025, which has led to six championship titles from 2014 to 2020. Today, we shift the spotlight onto Charles Leclerc, the Monagasque sensation whose commitment to Ferrari is turning heads and sparking discussions throughout the F1 community.

Leclerc’s devotion to the prancing horse: A lifelong dream

Charles Leclerc’s journey with the Ferrari team carries a unique narrative. With his contract set to expire in 2025, the young driver consistently puts to rest any rumours of him entertaining offers from other teams. Leclerc’s message is clear: his dream, since childhood, has been to race for Ferrari, and he’s resolute in making that dream a reality. While every Formula 1 driver aspires to claim the World Driver’s Championship (WDC), Leclerc’s aspirations reach beyond personal glory—he aims to secure the WDC title with Ferrari.

A promise to his father and honouring his godfather’s legacy

However, Leclerc’s dedication extends beyond mere ambition; it encompasses a profound and heartfelt commitment. Prior to his father’s passing, Herve Leclerc, a former Formula 2 and Formula 3 racer, Charles made a promise, a commitment that later evolved into a personal mission. Additionally, his godfather, Jules Bianchi, a former Formula 1 driver and a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, was on the cusp of becoming a Ferrari driver before his tragic accident in Suzuka in 2014. Leclerc is resolute in his determination to uphold Jules’s legacy, forging a deeper connection with the Scuderia in the process.

The emotional connection: A heart that beats Ferrari red

These moments hold immense sentimental value for Leclerc, and it’s clear that his connection to Ferrari runs deep. He remains unwavering in his commitment to stand by the team through thick and thin. Ferrari isn’t just a team for Leclerc; it symbolises history and excellence. As the oldest surviving and one of the most successful Formula One teams, Ferrari’s presence in every world championship since the 1950 Formula One season is a testament to its enduring allure.

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Luigi Musso, Ferrari 246, Grand Prix of Monaco, Circuit de Monaco, 18 May 1958. (Photo by Bernard Cahier/Getty Images)

The dilemma: Loyalty versus the harsh reality

However, as Leclerc’s loyalty to Ferrari stands strong, an inevitable question arises—is it worth it? Ferrari has struggled to regain its former glory since their last Constructors’ Championship (WCC) win in 2008, marking 13 years without a WCC title. This prompts discussions about Ferrari’s competence and challenges in the modern F1 landscape.

Leclerc’s turbulent journey with Ferrari

Leclerc’s journey with Ferrari since joining in 2019 has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. In 2019, then-team principal Binotto acknowledged the team’s pit stops were subpar, averaging around 6 seconds. 2020 brought power unit issues, and while 2021 showed some improvements in pit stops and the engine, race pace remained a stumbling block to securing victories.

The ongoing struggles in 2022 and 2023

In the 2022 season, Leclerc encountered several setbacks—power unit issues, grid penalties, strategic missteps from the pit wall, and a few personal mistakes. Despite these challenges, the team secured second place in the WCC, and Leclerc took the second spot in the WDC. Expectations were high for a resurgence in 2023, but Ferrari continued to grapple with excessive tire wear and inconsistent race pace.

Leclerc’s unshakeable optimism

Despite the challenges and occasional mishaps, Leclerc remains unwavering in his quest to restore Ferrari to the pinnacle of Formula 1. In an interview with The Guardian, he articulated his determination, stating, ‘I am the first one who wants to be in a title fight but it’s not frustrating, it motivates me a lot. I am even more motivated to change that, to bring Ferrari back to where it deserves to be, which is consistently on top.

Ferrari represents a lifelong dream for Charles Leclerc, and his passion and dedication are undeniably praiseworthy. Yet, a lingering question remains: could he achieve his goal of winning the WDC title more readily with another team? As the 2023 F1 season unfolds, Leclerc embodies the spirit of ‘living for the hope of it all’.