Charles Leclerc is still feeling the sting of Ferrari’s near-miss in the constructors’ championship as he picked up his third-place driver’s trophy in Kigali, Rwanda on Friday night.
Just 14 points. That’s all that separated Ferrari from glory after 24 intense races this season.
“I’m very hungry for next year,” Leclerc said at the FIA prize-giving ceremony. “Obviously, the disappointment is still fresh from last week. We fought with McLaren until the very end, but they just did better over the whole season.”
The Monegasque driver showed incredible determination in Abu Dhabi, climbing from 19th on the grid to finish third. But it wasn’t quite enough to secure the team title in what turned out to be Carlos Sainz‘s final season with Ferrari.
It’s a big change ahead for the Italian team, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton set to take Sainz’s seat in 2025.
Despite the heartbreak, 2023 wasn’t without its magical moments for Leclerc. He claimed victory on his home streets of Monaco and thrilled the passionate Tifosi with a win at Monza, Ferrari’s spiritual home.
One of his favorite memories? Sharing the track with his younger brother during practice in Abu Dhabi.
“There were lots of positive moments in a season like this,” Leclerc reflected. “But coming second or third isn’t what we want. We want to win.”
The second half of the season showed real promise for Ferrari, and Leclerc’s eyes are already fixed on 2024.
“I’m looking forward to finally fighting for the championship,” he said, determination clear in his voice.
