Leclerc allowed to consider options at the beginning of 2026 - report
"Next year will be crucial"
Despite having a contract with Ferrari until 2029, new rumors indicate that Charles Leclerc may be a candidate in the driver market as soon as next season. Reportedly, Giuliano Duchessa, a well-connected Italian insider, claims that Leclerc will be permitted to "evaluate his options" following the initial phase of the 2026 championship, according to Austria’s Osterreich. McLaren is reportedly particularly interested, with Aston Martin also keeping an eye on the situation.
This aligns with the current atmosphere in the paddock, where Oscar Piastri and Mark Webber have expressed private frustration regarding McLaren's increasing favoritism towards newly crowned champion Lando Norris, as teams look to the 2026 rules reset as a fresh starting point for competition. Leclerc himself hinted in Abu Dhabi that next year will be pivotal for his long-term direction.
"Next year will be crucial," he stated. "Honestly, I believe the entire team is very motivated because it’s a significant change, a great chance to demonstrate what Ferrari can achieve." After outperforming Lewis Hamilton decisively in their challenging first season together, Leclerc concludes 2025 with considerable leverage and the belief that Ferrari must perform right away in the 2026 era.
"I truly hope we begin this new era on the right track, as it’s vital for the next four years. By the sixth or seventh race, I think we’ll have a clear understanding of which teams will dominate in the coming four years," he explained.
Publicly, Leclerc continues to portray himself as dedicated to Ferrari. "Do I believe I’ll become a champion with Ferrari? Yes," he confessed. "But it’s now or never. So I genuinely hope we start this new cycle correctly." Even his manager, Nicolas Todt, recently suggested that the start of 2026 will be crucial for Leclerc’s long-term future.
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Leclerc allowed to consider options at the beginning of 2026 - report
Formula 1 | Although Charles Leclerc is contracted with Ferrari until 2029, new rumors indicate that he may be a contender in the driver market soon.