The Monegasque driver took his first pole of the 2025 season in Budapest, delivering a stunning lap that outpaced both McLarens, while team-mate Lewis Hamilton qualified in 12th.

It marked Leclerc’s 27th career pole, but his conversion rate remains low, with only five of those starts turning into victories.

Strong Start, Rapid Decline

At the start of Sunday’s race, Leclerc looked capable of challenging for victory, keeping both McLaren title contenders at bay and briefly pulling away from championship leader Oscar Piastri.

However, his pace fell sharply during the second half of the race.

He eventually crossed the line more than 42 seconds behind winner Lando Norris and outside the podium places.

Post-race radio exchanges revealed Leclerc’s frustration, and he later confirmed the car’s issues had made winning impossible.

Honest Reflection After Frustrating Weekend

“A weekend of ups and downs,” Leclerc wrote on Instagram.

“First pole of the season but unfortunately a much more difficult race with issues that made the win impossible.

“We’ll keep pushing for the second half but before that, it’s time to resttttttttt.”

Hamilton Under Pressure

The Hungarian GP marked the final race before F1’s mandatory summer break, during which drivers and teams must take 14 consecutive days off.

While the pause offers rest for all, Hamilton may benefit most as he works to reset his season.

Since becoming Leclerc’s team-mate in January, Hamilton has been outqualified in 10 of 14 races and trails by 42 points in the drivers’ standings.

Leclerc has secured five podiums and now a pole position this year, while Hamilton has yet to record either.

The Briton’s frustrations surfaced during the weekend when he suggested he was “useless” and hinted his seat could be better used by another driver.

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A Campaign in Reverse

Ferrari entered 2025 boasting wind-tunnel whispers of a half-second gain, yet after seven races the SF-25 has delivered only one podium for Leclerc and none for incoming superstar Lewis Hamilton.

McLaren sits comfortably atop both championships, with Max Verstappen keeping Red Bull in striking distance and Mercedes edging Ferrari for third in the Constructors’ table.

Leclerc lies fifth, 85 points off Oscar Piastri, a deficit that has triggered fresh scrutiny of Maranello’s leadership and car-development path.

Vasseur Under the Microscope

Calls for change intensified after another low-key showing in Imola, but Leclerc said, “I’ve always said I have total trust in Fred and I truly believe he is the right person to bring Ferrari back to the top.”

He added, “He really is the one who can make it win. I’ve always said it.”

The 26-year-old insisted that the atmosphere under Vasseur is less “toxic” than previous eras and credits the Frenchman for fostering accountability without blame culture.

Contract Signals and Exit Chatter

Leclerc signed an extension last year that Italian media believe runs through the first season of Formula 1’s 2026 rule reset, yet former team boss Guenther Steiner urged him to consider a “new challenge” if Ferrari cannot return to the front.

Asked directly whether he could walk away, Leclerc fired back, “Of course not, there is absolutely no chance.”

“I believe in the project and I believe in Fred,” he said.

“Clearly, it’s a complicated moment and in times like this it’s easy to have doubts.”

“But I’m not thinking about leaving Ferrari, I want to win with Ferrari. And I will stay as long as I believe in this project. And I believe in it.”

Championship Mathematics

History offers mixed hope: Red Bull lost the early lead last season, yet Ferrari’s current gap is larger than the one McLaren overturned.

Leclerc argues that unpredictable reliability and the looming Spanish technical directive could shuffle the order, insisting, “I will give my all until the end to try to win the title this year.”

Even so, insiders say Ferrari’s development war chest is now focused on re-profiled side-pods and a lighter floor due to debut in Canada—upgrades that must succeed to keep Vasseur safe from boardroom pressure.

What Lies Ahead

The Monaco Grand Prix presents both opportunity and risk for the home favourite: the street circuit traditionally masks power-unit deficits but punishes small mistakes, as evidenced by last season’s qualifying heartbreak.

Ferrari engineers believe the SF-25’s improved mechanical grip will shine in slow-speed corners, yet simulations also warn that tyre warm-up remains a weak point, especially if heavy clouds rob the track of temperature.

Success in Monte Carlo would buy Vasseur time, calm investors and vindicate Leclerc’s public loyalty; another setback could embolden those urging a drastic rethink before 2026.

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Officials opened an inquiry into a possible breach of Technical Directive 003G 2.g.ii, which spells out how tyres can be reused and modified during a session.

A team representative met stewards on Friday evening and supplied data from the FIA technical delegate.

Ruling and Financial Penalty

The panel concluded the squad had skipped the mandatory temperature-check sequence before deflating the tyres.

“The team representative admitted that these procedures were not followed, which is a breach of Article 30.5 a) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations,” the verdict recorded.

Citing similar operational infringements, the stewards imposed a €5,000 fine and confirmed no sporting penalty for Leclerc because the lapse occurred in practice.

Historical Context and Comparisons

Ferrari’s punishment mirrors the €5,000 levies Mercedes absorbed at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton and George Russell faced an identical tyre-pressure rap.

Back then, a delayed start created confusion; nonetheless the governing body stuck to a financial sanction.

The repeat underscores how strictly the FIA polices tyre handling to protect integrity and safety.

Technical Directive Explained

TD 003G permits multiple uses of the same set within a session but demands any pressure change follow a step-by-step routine that starts with heating the carcass.

The rules aim to prevent “cold manipulation,” a tactic that can boost grip yet endanger structural stability.

Teams must log each adjustment with the delegate, ensuring transparency for rivals and scrutineers alike.

Reaction Inside the Paddock

Ferrari accepted the decision without appeal, keen to avoid distraction before qualifying on Saturday.

Engineers privately acknowledged an “operational miscommunication” and vowed tighter checks for future runs.

Leclerc, currently fifth in the drivers’ standings, declined detailed comment, stating only that the matter was “closed.”

What Happens Next

The incident serves as a cautionary tale as teams juggle aggressive set-up work with ever-tighter directives on tyre usage.

With Imola’s high-energy corners stressing rubber, compliance will remain under the microscope all weekend.

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A team statement read: “Charles is feeling unwell and will not be coming to the track today. He will rest and focus on recovering and we expect him to be in the car tomorrow.”

Title Bid Off to a Slow Start

Leclerc entered 2025 determined to fight Oscar Piastri for the crown but sits fifth with 53 points, 78 adrift of the McLaren star.

Team-mate Lewis Hamilton, adapting slowly after leaving Mercedes, has reached the top five only once and trails Leclerc by 12 points.

Opportunity to Rally Before the Tifosi

Ferrari know a strong Imola showing can energise the tifosi and breathe life into a title campaign already wobbling after technical missteps and Shanghai disqualifications.

Leclerc’s last victory came in 2024 and a home podium would help quell speculation that morale inside Maranello is slipping.

Health Watch Continues

The Monegasque will undergo a precautionary medical check on Friday morning, but early indications suggest a mild virus rather than anything race-threatening.

Team insiders say reserve driver Oliver Bearman remains on standby, though they expect Leclerc to take part in FP1.

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Clad in Ferrari-branded streetwear, the 27-year-old Monegasque reveled in the role, stamping each “bill” with trademark comic authority.

Pineapple Pizza Ban Gains Mock Support

Asked whether the tropical topping deserved exile from Italian cuisine, Leclerc didn’t hesitate:
“Ordering a pizza with pineapple should get you forever banned from Italy and that’s it,”
he declared, tongue firmly in cheek.

The verdict delighted traditionalists and sparked a predictable storm in the comments as food-culture warriors leapt to both defend and denounce the fruity slice.

Fans Win a Post-Race Holiday

Leclerc next ruled on the plight of sleepy supporters whose Monday alarms clash with late-finishing Sunday grands prix in Asia or North America. Showing his “man of the people” credentials, he approved a fantasy motion to grant everyone the following day off work.

Social feeds exploded with memes of bosses rubber-stamping leave forms; alas, PUMA’s fine print reminded viewers that the decree carried zero legal weight.

Debunking ‘Cars in Circles’ Criticism

Taking aim at casual detractors who insist F1 is just “cars driving in circles,” Leclerc backed a mandatory crash-course in motorsport fundamentals for repeat offenders.

He argued that deeper understanding of strategy, engineering and athleticism would convert skeptics into fans—an educational twist that dovetailed neatly with PUMA’s tech-meets-lifestyle branding.

On-Track Reality Bites

Away from social-media fun, Leclerc’s season has been a mixed bag. He leads seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton by 12 points in the internal Ferrari duel and has out-qualified his new teammate five times in six attempts.

Yet Miami exposed weaknesses in the SF25’s race-day execution and left Leclerc lamenting another botched strategy call, urging the squad to “do better” after slipping behind Williams on raw pace.

Road Ahead for the Scuderia

Ferrari’s immediate priority is extracting consistency before the European summer swing, where incremental upgrades tend to decide championship trajectories.

Leclerc knows his slight edge over Hamilton won’t ease internal pressure—especially with McLaren and Mercedes already banking big scores. The fan-favorite ambassador may lack the executive power he wielded on Instagram, but his call for a higher team standard resonates as Ferrari chases its first title since 2007.

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Surer, in an interview with London Insider, said he believes Hamilton’s age will impact his raw speed, particularly in qualifying. However, he suggests that race pace could tell a different story if Ferrari provides the right car.

“I think Leclerc will be faster than 40-year-old Hamilton. It is not possible at this age to be as fast as Leclerc,” Surer stated.

“But a lot will depend on the handling of the car. We know Hamilton is quite sensitive to how the car handles. If it’s to his favour, he could do very well in the race, so maybe in race performance it will be not as clear as qualifying,” he added.

Ferrari Should Use Team Orders

Despite potential intra-team competition, Surer believes Ferrari won’t hesitate to implement team orders if one driver gains an early championship advantage. He pointed to past examples, such as McLaren’s indecisiveness in 2024, as a mistake Ferrari would likely avoid.

“I think Ferrari will be clever enough to use team orders quite quickly, because if they have a chance to win the championship, they should use team orders quickly and not wait, like McLaren did last year,” he explained.

While Hamilton’s supporters are hopeful he can finally secure an elusive eighth world championship, betting markets suggest otherwise. Analysis from My Betting Edge indicates that Hamilton has only a 14% implied probability of winning the 2025 title.

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With the news of Lewis Hamilton replacing Carlos Sainz next season, the pressure is on Sainz to perform in his final year with the team, while Charles Leclerc aims to validate Ferrari’s decision to retain him beyond 2024.

In the Bahrain Grand Prix, Sainz showcased his determination, overtaking Leclerc twice on track to secure a podium finish alongside Red Bull’s drivers.

Despite the competitive wheel-to-wheel action, Sainz emphasized his commitment to safe overtaking, ensuring minimal risk to both cars.

READ: Ferrari boss speaks out on suspicious Red Bull links

Schumacher suggests that the relationship between the teammates has become less familiar, observing a lack of cooperation between them during the race.

He implies that Ferrari could have intervened to aid Leclerc’s struggling performance, indicating potential issues with Leclerc’s car.

Team principal Fred Vasseur supports Sainz’s assertiveness on track, considering it a professional response to the circumstances.

Vasseur acknowledges the anticipated challenges of the season but praises Sainz’s performance as commendable.

Reflecting on Ferrari’s progress, Vasseur acknowledges the team’s advancement compared to the previous year, despite still trailing behind Red Bull.

He sees potential in Ferrari’s development, believing the current car provides a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses for further improvement.

READ: Tensions show at Ferrari amid Charles Leclerc comment

Vasseur’s optimism stems from Ferrari’s ability to close the gap with Red Bull gradually, suggesting a promising trajectory for the team’s competitiveness.

He sees this year as an opportunity to refine the car’s performance and strategize for future success.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Vasseur remains hopeful about Ferrari’s prospects, seeing their progress as a testament to the team’s resilience and determination to compete at the highest level of Formula 1 racing.

The post Charles Leclerc slapped with massive warning appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

An enthusiastic pianist, Leclerc surprised the F1 world earlier this month with the release of an EP in partnership with French artist Sofiane Pamart.

Leclerc’s announcement coincided precisely with Hamilton’s confirmation, two weeks prior, of his departure from Mercedes at the end of 2024.

Hamilton had sealed a multi-year deal to join Ferrari.

READ: Mercedes W15 front wing raises eyebrows as FIA makes declaration

Given Hamilton’s known interest in music alongside his racing pursuits, Leclerc was questioned by F1 TV regarding the possibility of joining forces with the seven-time World Champion beyond the racetrack in the forthcoming year.

The 26-year-old left the door open for a potential collaboration with his teammate in 2025, stating, “I’m not sure, to be honest.

I don’t know. I haven’t discussed music much with Lewis yet. We talked about it last year, and he mentioned his love for music.”

Leclerc expressed his intention to engage with Hamilton regarding a potential musical project in the upcoming year.

Reflecting on his recent musical venture with Pamart, Leclerc described the experience as enriching, having initially planned for just one song but ending up producing four.

He highlighted the creative freedom he enjoyed, particularly benefiting from Pamart’s piano expertise.

The Ferrari driver emphasised the significance of such creative pursuits in providing a necessary break from the intensity of racing.

READ: Drive to Survive reveals Hamilton-Mercedes tension

Should Hamilton venture into music, he would follow in the footsteps of Jacques Villeneuve, who in 2007 released the bilingual acoustic-rock album “Private Paradise.”

The record, featuring a tribute to his late father, Gilles Villeneuve, debuted at number 48 in the Quebec pop charts.

Gilles Villeneuve, a former Ferrari driver, tragically lost his life in a crash at Zolder in 1982.

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Ferrari has found itself at the forefront of this year’s early ‘silly season’, with the Italian team already securing their line-up until at least 2025 and 2026.

In January, it was revealed that Charles Leclerc had inked a multi-year contract extension, although Ferrari has yet to disclose the precise duration of the agreement.

According to reports from the Italian press, Leclerc’s fresh contract spans until the conclusion of 2029.

READ: Carlos Sainz finally breaks his silence on Ferrari picking Lewis Hamilton

However, in a surprising turn of events announced at the start of February, Carlos Sainz will be succeeded next year by Lewis Hamilton.

The seven-time World Champion is departing Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season, embarking on an extraordinary move to Maranello.

The pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc is an exceptional driver duo and symbolises the team’s aspirations to break their championship drought.

Ferrari’s last Constructors’ Championship victory dates back to 2008, while Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 title stands as the most recent triumph for a Ferrari driver.

Ending Ferrari’s championship quest is Leclerc’s career aspiration and partly underpins his decision to agree to such a lengthy extension.

The 26-year-old has had close ties with Ferrari for several years, having joined their driver academy in 2016.

The strong bond between Ferrari and Leclerc is evident, with the reported duration of his contract serving as evidence.

However, Leclerc’s journey with Ferrari over the past six years hasn’t been without challenges, particularly in the last two seasons.

Although vocal on the radio and occasionally discontented with strategic decisions, his affection for the marque remains steadfast.

Leclerc not only believes in Ferrari’s vision but also in their pursuit of fielding the fastest car.

“Well, of course, it’s part of my decision,” Leclerc expressed to select media, including RacingNews365.

“I think not only because it feels like a family, but most of all, because they were the first people to believe in me straight from even before I got to Formula 1.

“They gave me the opportunity to get into Formula 1, they gave me the opportunity of being a Ferrari driver, and getting a car that was good enough to secure my first pole position and my first win.

READ: Charles Leclerc knew about Lewis Hamilton talks before signing new contract

“But more than anything, I think what made me sign for a longer contract is because I believe in the project. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have done that.

“So I believe in the project fully. I love Ferrari, that’s for sure, and I think that’s clear to everybody.

“But most of all, I believe in the project, and I believe we have the best chance in order to become the best car on the grid in the next years. So this is why I renewed with Ferrari.”

The post Charles Leclerc opens up on new Ferrari contract appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The seven-time F1 World Champion will part ways with the Silver Arrows after the 2024 campaign, choosing to sever ties with the German marque after a connection spanning back to his early teens.

After rising through the ranks at McLaren and clinching his maiden world title in 2008, Hamilton made his first seismic career shift by joining the Mercedes works team in 2013.

Despite initial uncertainties, this move proved inspired, with Hamilton securing an additional six championships, matching Michael Schumacher’s tally of seven.

READ: Christian Horner interrogation moved due to ‘media attention’

Following a contentious loss of the eighth title to Max Verstappen in 2021 due to a disputed safety car restart procedure, Hamilton and Mercedes found themselves trailing behind Verstappen and Red Bull.

Verstappen clinched three consecutive drivers’ titles, and Red Bull secured consecutive constructors’ championships with their superior car under new ground effect regulations.

Although Hamilton had committed to Mercedes until 2025, he opted to terminate the contract and sign a multi-year deal with Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz Jr alongside Charles Leclerc.

Throughout Ferrari’s history, they have typically favoured one primary driver over an equal partnership within the team.

READ: Eddie Jordan fires George Russell jibe amid Lewis Hamilton’s exit

Hamilton, who has experienced both scenarios at McLaren and Mercedes, may need to adjust to a subordinate role at Ferrari, as noted by former F1 driver Hans Joachim-Stuck.

Stuck remarked, “Hamilton is a special personality. But whether he can cope with the Ferrari system, where everything works a little differently, is something I’m curious to see.”

He added, “Hamilton has to be subordinate. Ferrari is Italy. The press is completely different

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