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Charles Leclerc Declares Racing for Ferrari ‘Worth More’ Than Winning F1 Title
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Charles Leclerc Declares Racing for Ferrari ‘Worth More’ Than Winning F1 Title

Originally posted on FirstSportz  |  By Aditya Pandya  |  Last updated Aug 1, 2025 2:17 PM ET

Charles Leclerc is unable to emerge victorious for Ferrari despite multiple attempts at improving his form. The Italian squad has had some glimpses of dominance, but they are unable to make winning races a habit. Leclerc has raced for the Prancing Horse since the 2019 season and is yet to win a drivers’ title amid the team’s performance at times. Despite losing out on his championship chances, the 27-year-old delivers a shocking verdict on his hopes from Maranello.

Charles Leclerc‘s arch-rival, Max Verstappen has tasted championship victory in recent years. Now, younger drivers than Leclerc, like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, seem to be the favorites to win the title this year and potentially in the coming years too. As such, the window of winning a title with Maranello seems to be closing down for Leclerc. Still, the Monegasque isn’t too concerned with not achieving the ultimate goal yet.

Ferrari is unable to compete for race wins this year, as Charles Leclerc’s hopes of fighting for a title seem to be impossible for now. The 27-year-old is adrift of the championship lead to Oscar Piastri by 127 points, and with just 11 races left, it will be very difficult for Leclerc to get to the top of the table.

Regardless of crushing hopes of a championship title, Leclerc insists that driving for Ferrari means a lot to him. When questioned if driving for the Italian constructor meant more than winning a drivers’ title, the 27-year-old had a sure-shot answer. The Monegasque declared that racing for F1’s most iconic team meant a lot to him, as his primary goal remained to emerge victorious with them.

I drive for Ferrari and that means a lot. [It is] Absolutely [it is worth more] . My number one goal is to win with Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc said via Sky Sports Italy

Charles Leclerc hopes for ‘less difference’ between teams in 2026

McLaren has remained the team to beat in the 2025 season following their extremely dominant pace in the MCL-39 challenger. The team is untouched in pace as the rivals seem unable to compete for race wins against them. Even though Charles Leclerc has come close to contending for race wins at times, he is yet to emerge victorious this season. As such, the 27-year-old laid out his wishes to witness better and closer competition between teams in the coming season.

Charles Leclerc asserted that he would like more battles between him and his rivals, especially Max Verstappen. The Monegasque reminisced about his early karting days with Verstappen and how the two had close battles on track. Leclerc pointed out that it was unfortunate that there was close competition in only some races. Hence, the 27-year-old reckoned that it would be great to have less difference in pace between the teams in the coming season.

I’d like it (close battles with Max Verstappen), because we had great fights in karting. Unfortunately in F1 not yet besides some races. Hopefully from next year there’ll be less difference between teams.

Charles Leclerc noted

The 2025 season has peaked in competition and excitement at the forefront as multiple teams and drivers are giving it their all to contend for the race wins. Even though McLaren seems to have a massive advantage in pace, the drivers are committing mistakes, which makes the racing even closer on track. Now, time will tell about how Leclerc’s hopes to succeed with Ferrari turn out in the future.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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