Charles Leclerc: Ferrari's Second Place 'Not Good Enough'

Charles Leclerc has candidly stated that finishing second in the constructors' standings is "not good enough" for a team with Ferrari's immense heritage. The Scuderia, Formula 1's most iconic outfit, faces its longest title drought since 2008, amplifying the pressure to reclaim its competitive edge despite making progress this season.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's inability to secure a championship since 2008 marks a significant dry spell for F1's most decorated team. Leclerc's comments underscore the internal dissatisfaction and high expectations within Maranello, highlighting the urgency for the team to return to winning ways and challenge for titles, not just runner-up positions.

The details:

• Ferrari, with 16 constructors' championships, has not won a title in 17 years, surpassing its previous longest drought. Its last drivers' title was with Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.
• Optimism was high at the start of the current season, especially with Lewis Hamilton's impending arrival, but the team has not secured a Grand Prix victory in over 12 months, facing its first winless season in the current F1 regulations cycle.
• McLaren has clinched its second consecutive constructors' crown, leaving Ferrari in a tight battle with Mercedes and Red Bull for second place.
• Leclerc's Stance: Speaking ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, Leclerc affirmed, "It’s not good enough... when you drive for such a team, the only thing that is good enough is to win."
  • He acknowledged the strength of their competition but reiterated that for a brand like Ferrari, anything less than winning is insufficient.
• Season Progression: Despite the overall disappointment, Leclerc highlighted the team's significant progression throughout the season.
  • After a challenging start, where a Ferrari only reached the podium in the fifth round (excluding Lewis Hamilton's sprint win in China), Leclerc has secured seven podium finishes, including recent back-to-back results in the U.S. and Mexico.

What's next:

Ferrari's immediate target is to secure second place in the constructors' championship, a battle that remains fiercely contested. Looking ahead, the focus will undoubtedly shift to next season's car and operational improvements, with Leclerc's ambition clearly setting the bar for a championship challenge.

• The team will continue to push for performance enhancements, aiming to translate their mid-season gains into consistent front-running pace.
• The arrival of Lewis Hamilton in 2025 adds another layer of expectation, with the hope that his experience and winning mentality can help reignite Ferrari's championship aspirations and end their prolonged title drought.