Leclerc's Antarctica Trip Scrapped by Boat Issue Ahead of Pivotal 2026 Season

Charles Leclerc's New Year's plans were sunk by a 'technical problem' with his boat, forcing him to cancel a highly anticipated trip to Antarctica. The setback comes just weeks before a pivotal 2026 F1 season, where the Ferrari driver has declared it's 'now or never' for the Scuderia's championship aspirations.

Why it matters:

After a frustrating 2025 campaign that yielded seven podiums but no victories, Leclerc is under immense pressure to deliver. The 2026 regulations represent a massive reset, offering a prime opportunity for Ferrari to close the gap to frontrunners like Red Bull and McLaren. For Leclerc, who hinted his future at Maranello could depend on the outcome, this season is about more than just a race—it's about defining his legacy with the team.

The details:

• The Canceled Trip: Leclerc revealed on social media that his Antarctica celebration was called off just three days prior due to a boat issue, a frustrating end to a year he described as 'very good off the track' but 'very difficult on the track.'
• 2025 Season Recap: Despite comfortably outscoring new teammate Lewis Hamilton by 86 points, Leclerc and Ferrari failed to secure a single win, marking another winless season and amplifying the need for a strong comeback.
• Project 678: Ferrari's 2026 contender, set to launch on January 23, is expected to feature a significant technical shift with a pushrod suspension at both the front and rear—a design not seen on a Ferrari since the F10 in 2010. This change is partly to better package the complex new power units.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Ferrari's car launch and the subsequent three days of pre-season testing in Barcelona starting January 26. Leclerc has made it clear that a strong start to this new era is 'important for the four years after,' setting the stage for a season that could determine both Ferrari's and his own future at the pinnacle of motorsport.