Charles Leclerc is still hopeful of delivering a title for Ferrari, despite a difficult season.
What happened?
Ferrari's year has been ambitious but ultimately falling short, much like Leclerc's recent chess match against Teimour Radjabov.
Leclerc admits it's not the season he was expecting, with victory on the track out of reach.
Why it matters for Charles Leclerc
Leclerc has always been driven to win for Ferrari, having grown up watching the annual F1 race in his native Monaco.
He was nicknamed "Il Predestinato" or "The Chosen One" after his breakout first season for Ferrari in 2019.
What comes next?
Hopes were high entering 2025, with Ferrari ending last year on a high note, just 15 points shy of a first constructors' crown since 2008.
Leclerc won three times en route to coming third in the drivers' table, but this season has been disappointing.
Ferrari has failed to win a race all season, and the United States Grand Prix later this month will mark a year since Leclerc's most recent victory on October 2, 2024.
Leclerc says the team did a good step forward, but it was not enough to make him or his teammate Lewis Hamilton serious contenders for victories.
And Leclerc is still motivated to try and turn the situation around, despite the challenges.
But it won't be easy, with McLaren dominating the season so far.
So Leclerc is focusing on the positives, including his love for the team and his determination to succeed.
Leclerc's progress has been hindered by McLaren's strong performance, which has left Ferrari struggling to keep up.
The Italian media had high expectations for Leclerc after his impressive first season, and he is still working to meet those expectations.
Leclerc's experience has changed him, and he now has to organize his life differently, but he feels grateful to be in his position.
He is still reveling in the privilege of driving for the team he loves, despite the pressure and challenges that come with it.