Charles Leclerc has shown fierce loyalty to Ferrari but has not been rewarded with a title-winning car.

Charles Leclerc has hinted his patience with Ferrari could run out next year (Image: Getty)

Charles Leclerc has hinted that he might finally give up on Ferrari if they fail to make a mark on the Formula 1 grid next year. The Monegasque racer, regarded as one of the very best on the grid, has shown great loyalty to the Scuderia and is desperate to be successful with the team to which he has committed his future until 2029 on paper.

But Leclerc has yet to be rewarded for his loyalty with a car capable of winning the World Championship. Across 150 race starts for the famous marque, he has just eight Grand Prix victories to his name and, aged 28, there are signs that he is beginning to grow frustrated with his position.

The 2025 campaign was one of Ferrari’s toughest, the team failing to take a single Grand Prix victory. Leclerc managed seven podiums while team-mate Lewis Hamilton failed to score any, but nether of them were anywhere near the title right – something which needs to change from next year.

New engine and aerodynamic design rules provide an opportunities for all teams, including Ferrari, to get a jump on their rivals and establish themselves as a serious contender. If they fail to do that, then Leclerc has warned that more years of Ferrari misery are set to follow.

Ferrari finished a dismal fourth in the championship this year and did not win a race (Image: Getty)

Asked if he still believes he can be world champion in a Ferrari, Leclerc replied: “I do.” There was a caveat, however, as he added: “Next year will be a crucial year. Honestly, I think the whole team is hugely motivated for next year, because it’s such a big change, a huge opportunity to show what Ferrari is capable of.

“And it’s now or never, so I really hope that we will start this new era on the right foot, because, it’s important for the four years after. Maybe not in the first three or four races, but by race six or seven, I think we’ll have a good idea of who are the teams that will be dominating for the four years after.”

Team principal Frederic Vasseur insisted he was not worried about the warning from Leclerc and feels it is only natural for a driver to be demanding more from their team. The Frenchman said: “All of us, it’s not that just one team is waking up in the morning [and saying], ‘We are not doing a good job, we have to push that’.

“Trust me that I think Max [Verstappen] is pushing the team at the limit. Lando [Norris] is pushing the team at the limit, and it’s honestly, as an F1 team, it’s also what we are expecting. It’s part of their job. Charles and Lewis, if they were very happy with the car and with everything, I would be desperate. But this is more positive than something else.”