Summary
- Leclerc has deleted social media apps to reduce his exposure to negativity surrounding Ferrari.
- Speaking at Sepang, he criticised repeated speculation about team principal Fred Vasseur.
- The Ferrari driver insists the team’s attention must remain on improving its car.
Charles Leclerc has explained how he limits his exposure to the noise surrounding Ferrari, having deleted social media applications from his phone. Speaking at Sepang on Thursday, the Formula 1 driver also condemned speculation about Fred Vasseur’s future, insisting the team principal retains his support.
The decision to remove the apps predates this week’s controversy. Leclerc had already discussed it earlier in September, explaining that distancing himself from online negativity helped him concentrate on his driving during a difficult spell in the season.
“In those very difficult moments, I had no social media on my phone. I didn’t want to hear about anything,” Leclerc explained previously. motorsport.com
At Sepang, his concern extended beyond his own response to criticism. Leclerc believes persistent speculation consumes time and attention inside Ferrari, where the priority should be developing a more competitive car.
Leclerc says Vasseur’s support was never in doubt
Questions about Vasseur intensified after Christian Horner described Ferrari as his dream destination. Ferrari subsequently reiterated its confidence in its current leadership, a position covered in GRANDE PRÊMIO’s report on the team’s backing for Vasseur.
For Leclerc, that intervention clarified Ferrari’s position publicly rather than changing anything within the organisation.
“I think there was never any doubt inside the team that he has all of our support,” Leclerc said.
The Monegasque highlighted both his relationship with Vasseur and the Frenchman’s ability to lead the team. His endorsement concerned the value he believes Vasseur brings to Ferrari’s future, as well as their personal trust.
“I’ve always said how much I trust Fred and how important he is for the team. We have a very special relationship,” he said.
Ferrari needs its attention on performance
Leclerc’s objection is that repeated rumours interfere with the collective effort required at Maranello. Discussions about leadership can draw employees away from the work needed to close Ferrari’s performance deficit.
He accepts that criticism comes with competing for Ferrari, but believes the recurring speculation has become disrespectful towards people working to improve the team.
“Fred, just like all of us on the team, pushes himself to the limit,” Leclerc said.
His defence of Vasseur does not mean Ferrari’s shortcomings should be ignored. Leclerc also acknowledged at Sepang that the team must improve across several areas: its deficit involves chassis and aerodynamics as well as engine performance.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from 2–4 October, to Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang.
F1 today: FAQ
What time does F1 practice start at Sepang?
Friday practice begins on 2 October. FP1 starts at 05:30 BST in the UK, 10:00 IST in India and 14:30 AEST in Sydney and Melbourne. In New York and Toronto, it starts at 00:30 EDT; in Los Angeles and Vancouver, at 21:30 PDT on Thursday. FP2 begins three and a half hours later.
Is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas and retiring from F1?
Ocon will leave Haas at the end of 2026, but says he intends to remain in Formula 1. He has not announced retirement and would consider a reserve role while seeking another race seat.
What happened to Oscar Piastri at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
Piastri was running near the front in Baku before a mistake during a Safety Car restart dropped him out of podium contention. He finished 14th, adding to a difficult 2026 season for the McLaren driver.
Has Charles Leclerc deleted his social media accounts?
Leclerc says he has deleted social media applications from his phone. That does not establish that he has deleted his accounts.
