If at first you don’t succeed, try again. That saying perfectly describes Charles Leclerc’s journey in Formula One as he chases his dream of becoming world champion.
Year after year, the Ferrari driver has come close but hasn’t yet won the ultimate title. He finished second in 2022 and third in 2023. Now, the determined Monégasque driver is focused on winning his first world championship and bringing Ferrari its first title since 2007.
“My goal is to be world champion,” Leclerc told CNN Sport. “Last year, we finished second in the Constructors’ Championship, and I want to win it. But more than anything, I want to win the world championship. That’s my only dream and what I work for every day.”
The Competition Ahead
The 2025 season will be challenging, with 24 races beginning in Melbourne on March 16. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has dominated in recent years, winning four straight championships, but this year could be different.
McLaren’s Lando Norris is expected to be a major threat, along with his teammate Oscar Piastri. However, Leclerc is also in the fight and knows that to beat the best, he must be the best.
“I’m focusing on being the best version of myself every time I get on the track,” Leclerc said. “I’ve worked on my physical and mental preparation, as well as my simulator training. I want to be as ready as possible when we start testing in Bahrain next week.”
A Strong 2024 Season
Although he finished third in the 2024 driver standings, Leclerc won three races, making it his most successful season in Formula One.
One of his biggest victories came at his home race in Monaco. He had started in pole position twice before but had never won. In 2024, he finally broke the curse and dedicated the emotional win to his late father, Hervé, who passed away in 2017 when Leclerc was racing in Formula Two.
Leclerc has learned from past mistakes and is now more mature and strategic.
“In 2023, I pushed too hard in some races, trying to perform miracles, and ended up making big mistakes,” he admitted. “In 2024, I focused on winning when possible but also on securing points when victory wasn’t an option. I’m very happy with my season—it’s my best one so far in Formula One.”
A Strong Team with Hamilton
Leclerc is already highly motivated, but his excitement has grown with the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as his new teammate.
On paper, it’s a powerful combination—two talented drivers working together to bring Ferrari back to the top. Ferrari hasn’t won a Constructors’ Championship since 2008, and both drivers are eager to change that.
Hamilton is aiming for a record-breaking eighth world championship, while Leclerc sees this as a golden opportunity to learn from one of the greatest drivers in F1 history.
“Lewis will bring so much to the team,” Leclerc said. “His experience, work ethic, and talent are incredible. I have a lot to learn from him, and that’s exciting.
“This is a big moment for Ferrari. Having Lewis in the team is great motivation for me. I’m ready to show what I can do, and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
With a strong mindset, valuable lessons from past seasons, and a legendary teammate beside him, Charles Leclerc is more determined than ever to chase his dream of becoming a Formula One world champion.