Leclerc declares 2026 'now or never' for Ferrari title hopes

Charles Leclerc has issued a stark warning that Ferrari's 2026 season represents a 'now or never' moment for championship contention, coming after the team's first winless campaign since 2014. The Monegasque driver emphasized that next year's performance will define Ferrari's trajectory through the next regulation cycle, with early-season results indicating long-term competitiveness.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's winless 2025 season marks only the second time in ten years the Scuderia failed to reach victory lane, intensifying pressure on Maranello's technical overhaul. With new engine regulations arriving in 2026, this season represents the final opportunity to reset before a four-year technical freeze locks in competitive hierarchies. Leclerc's comments underscore the existential stakes for a team that hasn't secured a drivers' title since 2007.

The details:

• Leclerc confirmed the team's collective urgency: "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."
• The 2025 season concluded with Ferrari failing to win any races for just the second time since 2014, finishing behind both Red Bull and McLaren in the constructors' championship.
• When questioned about championship aspirations, Leclerc maintained belief but tied it directly to 2026 performance: "I really hope that we will start this new era on the right foot, because it’s important for the four years after."
• The driver predicted the competitive order will crystallize quickly under new regulations: "By race six, seven, I think we’ll have a good idea of who are the teams that will be dominating for the four years."
• Ferrari's Abu Dhabi performance saw Leclerc finish just outside the podium, highlighting both the team's current limitations and his individual determination during a difficult season.

What's next:

All eyes will turn to pre-season testing in February 2026 as Ferrari aims to validate their development trajectory. The team's ability to translate wind tunnel data into track performance during the opening races will determine whether Leclerc's 'now or never' warning becomes a rallying cry or a requiem. With contract negotiations for both Leclerc and team principal Frédéric Vasseur extending into 2026, early-season results could trigger significant organizational decisions that shape Ferrari's direction through the next championship cycle.