Charles Leclerc is taking Ferrari’s heartbreaking second-place finish in the constructors championship in stride, despite coming agonizingly close to ending the team’s 16-year title drought.
The Monegasque driver put in an incredible performance in the season finale, climbing from 19th on the grid in a last-gasp effort to overtake McLaren. But it wasn’t quite enough.
“To lose the championship at the very last race is tough to take,” Leclerc shared on social media. “We came so close to achieving our ultimate goal.”
But 2024 wasn’t all disappointment for the Ferrari ace. He secured third place in the drivers’ championship and achieved two of his biggest career dreams – winning both at his home track in Monaco and at Ferrari’s spiritual home in Monza.
“Winning Monaco and Monza has always been a dream of mine,” he said. “It’s something I’ll forever remember.”
The season also marked the end of his partnership with Carlos Sainz, who’s already gotten behind the wheel of his new Williams during post-season testing at Yas Marina.
“Carlos, thank you for being a fantastic teammate and always pushing me to improve,” Leclerc wrote about his teammate of four years. “It’s been an honour to fight alongside you for Ferrari.”
What started as a difficult year for Ferrari turned into one of their most competitive seasons in recent memory. The team transformed their early struggles into a title fight that went down to the final lap.
Leclerc remains optimistic about Ferrari’s future. “Our time will come, I’m sure,” he said. “We’ll work flat out to prepare next season in the best possible way, and we’ll try again.”
The determination in his voice suggests Ferrari might just be the team to watch in 2025.
