Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur empathised with Charles Leclerc claiming that clinching a Formula 1 title is his “obsession”.
Leclerc had one of his strongest seasons to date last term, finishing third in the Drivers’ standings and clinching three Grand Prix victories.
Ferrari was narrowly pipped to the Constructors’ title last year by McLaren and the Italian squad looks set to compete with the papaya-coloured machines for supremacy once again in 2025.
After taking victories at Monza and Monaco last year, Leclerc revealed that his only remaining goal is to win the Drivers’ title.
“I mean, this is my one and only target and goal and dream that remains to be ticked,” he told select media including Motorsport Week on Thursday.
“I had quite a few dreams growing up. One was to be a Formula One driver, then to be a Ferrari driver, then to win Monza in Monaco, which I did.
“Now it’s only about being a world champion. So yeah, that’s my obsession.”
This obsession was put forth to Vasseur during Friday’s press conference at the Australian Grand Prix, to which he said: “I’m not sure ‘obsession’ is the right word, but for sure, when you do this job, that is racing.
“[Leclerc] started when he was three years old, that was 23 years ago, he’s spent his life on track, so for sure to have the goal, the target, or the dream to become World Champion is the normal approach.”
At this early stage, Vasseur was coy on Leclerc’s title prospects in 2025.
“To know if it’s for this season or not, I don’t know,” he said.
“We have to stay focused. He’s putting everything into doing a good job this season, and I’m sure he’ll continue to improve.”
Leclerc feels title ready
With all the talk of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, perhaps it’s easy to forget that Leclerc has been quietly preparing for his seventh season with the Scuderia.
The Monegasque driver looked in fine fettle on Friday as he topped the afternoon practice session, acknowledging there’s more pace to come from his Ferrari SF-25.
His former team-mate Carlos Sainz has claimed Leclerc is at the top of his game, Lewis Hamilton has called him “Mr Ferrari” and if the cards fall in the right fashion, the Monegasque driver thinks he can live up to the hype.
“I feel as strong as I’ve ever been, stronger than I’ve ever been,” he said.
“But that’s normal. I mean, in Formula One, it’s all about trying to improve as a driver.
“So I’m stronger than last year and last year, I was saying I was stronger than the year before. So as a driver, you always feel at your peak.
“But it’s been a very strong season for me last year and if we have what it takes in order to fight against the McLarens, the Red Bull on a par in terms of performance, I feel like I can make it.
“But I’ve got to put everything together as a driver.
“So, yeah, only time will tell.”
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