Charles Leclerc sends defiant message ahead of Ferrari 'turning point'

Charles Leclerc insists Ferrari must "start on the right foot" when F1 overhauls its regulations ahead of the 2026 season. The Monegasque driver is, nonetheless, confident the Maranello-based squad is "working in the right direction" to succeed with the new generation of F1 cars, which will have brand new power units to accompany the changed chassis and aerodynamic rules. Ferrari has not been uncompetitive during the ground effect era, but has generally been consigned to consistent podiums and victories over the four years. The Italian team came painfully close to a first F1 constructors' championship since 2008 last year. However, it has fallen back from eventual champions McLaren in the current campaign and is the only outfit of the leading four not to claim a grand prix win over the opening 14 rounds. As the wait for title glory continues, the pressure rises on the Prancing Horse and its key players, including Leclerc, team-mate Lewis Hamilton and team principal Fred Vasseur. Although, the eight-time grand prix winner maintains he has faith in the Scuderia to come good, even if starting the next era well will be critical to ending the famed team's nearly two decades of suffering. When it was put to the 27-year-old that he is in the prime of his F1 career, but without the car to match his abilities, Leclerc explained why he believes he will soon have the machinery to utilise his talent. "Fred is definitely part of it, but the biggest part is to see how the team works," he told media, including RacingNews365 . "I'm sure we are working in the right direction. Next year will be a big turning point for us as it will be a new era of cars." Leclerc is not approaching his future at Ferrari with his eyes wide shut. He was keen to stress how important it is to avoid having a gap to close. "Whenever you start a new era, if you are not starting it on the right foot, it's always more difficult to come back because other teams are also pushing for upgrades," he added. "To close the gap is very difficult. We'll have to start on the right foot, and then we'll see. "For now, I'm fully dedicated to try and make Ferrari great again and to win races again."