Leclerc's future with Ferrari once more in the limelight.
"My focus is on 2026"
10 September 2025 - 12:50
Charles Leclerc’s long-term future with Ferrari is once again being scrutinized in the Italian media following a close call for a podium finish at Monza. Eurosport Italia highlighted the "unspecified" terms of Leclerc’s current multi-year deal, suggesting that his time with the team could hinge on Ferrari’s performance under the upcoming 2026 regulations. "His future may change if 2026 unfolds as disappointingly as the current season. There are clauses that could modify the agreement," the publication reported.
While Leclerc maintains a positive public demeanor, some comments made after Monza implied a sense of resignation. "I didn’t believe in my chances of winning a grand prix this year before arriving in Monza, and I still don’t, so I’d say this race hasn’t changed much," the 27-year-old stated. Nearly a year has passed since his last grand prix victory.
"I’m not indifferent to Verstappen’s successes or those of Piastri and Norris," Leclerc remarked. "But what matters to me is restoring Ferrari to the top; that’s my sole obsession." The Monegasque also indicated that he is looking ahead to the next regulatory overhaul: "My focus is on 2026."
There is also speculation regarding who might partner him in the future. Reports have suggested that Max Verstappen could join Ferrari in 2027, potentially to succeed Lewis Hamilton—or perhaps to take Leclerc's place. Sky Deutschland analyst Ralf Schumacher commented, "I feel like this could be a perfect match."
Simultaneously, Ferrari icon Jean Alesi criticized Hamilton for not providing Leclerc a slipstream during qualifying at Monza. Writing in Corriere della Sera, Alesi expressed, "I didn’t appreciate Hamilton’s attitude. He absolutely could have and maybe should have assisted Leclerc in qualifying on Saturday. Everyone expected this from Lewis without even being asked, considering his prior statements, the season’s developments, and his first encounter with the Italian fans."
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