Leclerc declares 'now or never' for Ferrari with 2026 regulation reset

Charles Leclerc has framed the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season as a "now or never" moment for Ferrari to deliver a championship-contending car, leveraging the sport's major regulatory reset. Following a massively disappointing 2025 campaign where the team slumped to fourth in the standings despite title hopes, the Scuderia pins its revival on the new chassis and engine rules that render the current competitive order irrelevant.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's last Constructors' title was in 2008, and the pressure to end that drought is immense. The 2026 regulation overhaul represents a rare, clean-slate opportunity for the sport's most historic team to leapfrog rivals. A strong start is critical, as it sets the foundation for the subsequent four-year regulatory cycle, making this Ferrari's most pivotal development phase in nearly two decades.

The details:

• After finishing as runner-up to McLaren in 2024, Ferrari entered 2025 with genuine optimism but experienced a dramatic performance drop, leaving drivers Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton visibly frustrated throughout the season.
• Team Principal Fred Vasseur downplayed concerns over his drivers' emotional media comments, emphasizing that what matters is their professional drive to improve behind the scenes.
  • Vasseur noted of Leclerc: "I've known Charles for 16 years... He was always complaining about everything, but it's a positive dynamic."
• The comments from Ferrari chairman John Elkann in November, suggesting drivers "need to focus on driving and talk less," highlighted internal tensions following the poor season.

What's next:

All focus at Maranello is on the 2026 project. The new era begins with the Australian Grand Prix in March, where Ferrari's interpretation of the new rules will be immediately tested. Success hinges on starting this new cycle on the right foot; another false start could cement a prolonged period of competitive struggle for the iconic team.