Delays at an airport meant Charles Leclerc was a bit late getting to the Lusail paddock today, but he still found time to meet the journalists in the Scuderia Ferrari HP hospitality. The Monegasque was keen to make it clear that he was still very motivated. “I’m more determined than ever to finish the season in the best way possible and that goes for the whole team which is more united than ever.”

Mandatory strategy. Leclerc commented on the decision taken by Pirelli, the FIA and Formula 1 to limit the number of laps that can be driven on a single set of tyres to 25. “It’s fine, especially when it’s a matter of safety, but I don’t think this decision will change much in terms of strategy. If anything, it could produce the opposite effect, with all drivers essentially having to make two pit stops, so I could imagine that there will be a lot of convergence on race strategies.”

Confident for the future. Charles then spoke of his confidence in the team and next season, when there will be a major regulation change. “Everyone knows my dream is to win with Ferrari and I hope the sacrifices we agreed to make this year, ending development early on the SF-25 in order to concentrate on the 2026 car, will pay off.” As for rumours of him possibly leaving the team for 2027, Leclerc once again quashed any speculation. “I want to be world champion with this team,” he maintained. “The rumours don’t bother me as long as it doesn’t affect the team. And that’s not the case, so I’m not worried and I’ll continue moving forward down this path with the team.”