Leclerc's manager anticipates a 'very competitive' driver market in 2027.

      "We hope that next year Ferrari will have a very competitive car."

      Charles Leclerc’s manager, Nicolas Todt, believes that the 2027 Formula 1 driver market will be "very competitive," especially with increasing speculation around Oscar Piastri’s future and Ferrari's next steps. Leclerc has publicly shown his loyalty to Ferrari, despite feeling frustrated with the team’s recent challenges. Todt suggested that once new regulations come into play, all top drivers, including his client, will reevaluate their choices.

      "A lot of drivers are waiting to see how well each team has adapted and the quality of their car before deciding if they want to stay with their team or move to another team that's performing better," Todt stated to The Straits Times in Singapore. He acknowledged that Leclerc "is among the best talents of his generation, alongside Max and a few others," but noted that Ferrari must produce a championship-winning car. "Currently, we have a good car, but it’s not sufficient to win the title," he mentioned. "We hope next year Ferrari will have a very good car under the new regulations."

      These remarks add further interest amid speculation that McLaren's Oscar Piastri, feeling frustrated after his incident with teammate Lando Norris in Singapore, might eventually join Ferrari. Piastri's manager, former F1 driver Mark Webber, recently told RMC Motori that Ferrari is still "a goal" for the Australian. "For now, he must remain with McLaren," Webber stated. "He needs to complete his development, and while Ferrari is still a goal, he must achieve the final outcome. In the meantime, it would be wise for him to improve his Italian," he joked.