Charles Leclerc has expressed optimism that the Chinese Year of the Horse could signal a turning point for Ferrari as the team prepares for this weekend’s highly anticipated Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. The Monaco-born driver recalled the misfortune Ferrari faced at the same venue just a year ago, when both of the team’s cars were disqualified after the race due to excessive wear on the plank beneath their vehicles. This setback was a significant blow to Ferrari’s campaign in 2025, and Leclerc is hopeful that the symbolic connection between the year and Ferrari’s iconic prancing horse emblem might bring a change in fortune.
Last month, China welcomed the Year of the Horse, a symbol that resonates deeply with Ferrari’s heritage, as their logo famously features a prancing horse, or “Cavallino Rampante.” Leclerc, who has been part of the Scuderia Ferrari family for several seasons now, shared with the media that he has been eagerly awaiting this particular year since joining the team. He believes this alignment of symbolism and timing could be a positive omen for the Italian racing giants as they look to improve their performance on the track.
Reflecting on the start of the current Formula 1 season, Leclerc acknowledged the stiff competition Ferrari faces, particularly from the dominant Mercedes squad. In the season opener in Australia last weekend, Leclerc finished third, trailing behind Mercedes drivers George Russell, who won the race, and Kimi Antonelli. His teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, also finished just behind the Mercedes pair, highlighting the challenge Ferrari must overcome to reclaim their former glory.
Leclerc remains cautiously optimistic, noting that while Mercedes currently holds a clear advantage, Ferrari is steadily closing the gap. “Mercedes are quite a bit ahead at the moment, but little by little, I think we can catch them,” he said. This gradual progress is crucial as the team aims to build momentum and consistency throughout the season.
Hamilton, who endured a difficult debut season with Ferrari in 2025, was the surprise winner of the sprint race at the Shanghai International Circuit last year. Despite the challenges faced then, Hamilton has expressed greater satisfaction with the car’s performance this season. However, he also emphasized that it remains too early to predict whether Ferrari can mount a serious challenge for either the drivers’ or constructors’ championships this year.
“It’s far too early to say if we can beat Mercedes,” Hamilton remarked ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix. He pointed out that other teams, including McLaren and Red Bull, are expected to ramp up their pace as the season progresses, adding another layer of competition. Hamilton stressed the importance of focusing on maximizing the car’s potential and delivering the best possible results in each race, rather than getting ahead of themselves with championship predictions.
As Ferrari heads into the Shanghai race weekend, the team will be looking to harness the symbolism of the Year of the Horse and translate it into tangible success on the track. With a combination of strategic improvements, driver skill, and a bit of luck, Ferrari hopes to overcome last year’s disappointment and make a strong statement in one of the sport’s most prestigious Grands Prix.
