Leclerc: I’m fully dedicated to making Ferrari great again

Leclerc welcomed the announcement, describing Vasseur as a vital pillar of stability and leadership at Maranello. Speaking during Thursday’s press conference at the Hungaroring, the Ferrari driver said: “I’m really, really happy.

"Especially in the past month, there were quite a few rumours, like it’s always the case around the team. To finally have the official news out is important.”

Asked what Vasseur had brought to Ferrari in his 30 months at the helm, Leclerc credited his clarity and emotional control: “Fred has an incredible vision. What’s very difficult within Ferrari is that emotion is part of the daily job. Fred really knows how to leave his emotions aside and have a clear view of where we are, no matter how much noise there is. That’s very important.”

He added that Vasseur’s ability to extract the maximum from everyone at the factory had made a significant difference. “He embedded that vision into the team and that’s where he made the biggest impact.”

Leclerc arrives in Budapest after scoring four podiums in the last six race weekends, including P3 at Spa-Francorchamps. “The results say we’re making steps in the right direction. We’ve had a few upgrades that helped us close the gap to the front. But I don’t think we’re yet the second-strongest team.”

However, Hungary presents a unique challenge. “It’s by far the worst track of the season for me,” he admitted. “I don’t know why. Probably something with my driving style. I’ve got to work a little bit harder here, but I’m confident we can have a great weekend.”

Asked whether the Hungaroring’s Monaco-like layout should suit him, he quipped: “Maybe it’s the walls that are missing.”

When asked which circuits might suit Ferrari in the second half of the season, Leclerc was frank: “I don’t think there’s one track where we think we’re stronger than McLaren. They’re the most consistent car this year. Red Bull is more up and down, a bit like us and Mercedes.”

Still, he said Ferrari’s upgrades have improved driveability: “At the beginning of the season, the car was very difficult. We had to set it up in extreme ways. Now, it’s a bit more in a reasonable window and we’re extracting more from it.”

When asked about consistently outperforming teammate Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc downplayed expectations: “It’s still very early. I’m happy with my performance, but we’re not fighting for wins and poles, which changes things. It’s too soon to judge. He’s still learning the systems.”

Leclerc also rejected suggestions he might be left out of Ferrari’s development loop: “I don’t create documents like Lewis, but I have regular meetings in Maranello. Every driver gives feedback differently. I’m definitely involved.”

Asked about the Constructors’ fight with Mercedes, Leclerc said second place was important, but not everything: “I’m pretty sure it’s better to finish second than third. But we don’t think too much about wind tunnel time. We want to be as high up as possible and we’ll work from there.”

Still, the bigger picture remains clear in his mind: “Next year is a turning point. In a new era, if you don’t start on the right foot, it’s hard to come back. I’m fully dedicated to making Ferrari great again.”

Leclerc acknowledged that early-season hype surrounding Hamilton’s arrival added pressure: “Everybody thought we were going to win the championship. Then we didn’t, and the rumours took over. These are things we can’t control. It’s part of being at Ferrari. It always has been.”

He said Vasseur’s calm demeanour had helped the team navigate this: “Fred has very cold blood in tough moments. That’s helped the team be more lucid.”

Responding to Fernando Alonso’s comment that only McLaren drivers still have something to race for this season, Leclerc disagreed: “It’s maybe a bit extreme. I’m not fighting for the title, but I am fighting to win races again. I’m still fully motivated. Every race is an opportunity.”

Finally, asked whether this is the best form of his career, Leclerc said: “As far as my own performance, I’m very happy. The best moment as a driver? No, because I want to win. But I’m satisfied with how I’m driving and where we’re heading.”

Ferrari may not be championship contenders in 2025, but with Leclerc committed, upgrades working and Vasseur staying on, the team is quietly laying the foundation for a return to the front.