Charles Leclerc plans 'very special' Antarctica trip to recharge before 2026 F1 season
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will visit Antarctica this off-season to recharge after a tough 2025 F1 season. He describes the trip as a 'very special' way to reset and gain new perspectives before returning to Maranello for intensive 2026 preparations, including simulator work.
Charles Leclerc is heading to Antarctica for a unique off-season retreat with his fiancée, Alexandra Saint Mleux, aiming to recharge after a challenging 2025 Formula 1 campaign with Ferrari. The Monegasque driver described the expedition as a way to reset while also gaining new perspectives before diving into intense preparations for the 2026 season.
Why it matters:
For an elite athlete in a relentless sport like Formula 1, finding effective ways to mentally and physically reset during the short off-season is crucial. Leclerc's choice of an extreme, remote environment like Antarctica highlights a deliberate shift away from the typical racing environment, which could provide a fresh mental framework ahead of a critical season for Ferrari.
The details:
- Leclerc revealed his travel plans in a video with Ferrari's partner, UniCredit, stating the trip will serve as his primary method to "recharge the batteries."
- He emphasized that the journey is not just a vacation but also an educational experience, expressing a desire to "learn more about that very special place in the world" and gain insight into conditions on-site.
- While in Antarctica, he plans to maintain his physical training regimen, blending athletic preparation with personal exploration.
- Upon his return, his focus will immediately shift to the 2026 car, with "lots of simulator and work" scheduled in Maranello to prepare for the season ahead.
The big picture:
The 2025 season was a difficult one for Ferrari, with the team finishing fourth in the constructors' championship. Leclerc ended the year fifth in the drivers' standings, just ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in sixth. His final race in Abu Dhabi saw him finish a close fourth, narrowly missing a podium. In his post-race comments, Leclerc acknowledged the team's perfect execution but conceded that fourth was the maximum result available, thanking the team and fans for their support through a "tough season."
What's next:
Leclerc returns to a Ferrari team facing a pivotal development period. With the 2026 technical regulations looming, the winter work in Maranello will be intense. Leclerc's Antarctic reset could be a strategic move to return with heightened focus and clarity for the simulator sessions and development work that will define Ferrari's potential comeback next year.