Charles Leclerc is reportedly considering departing from Ferrari after the 2026 season if the team fails to deliver a competitive car under the new regulations. The Monegasque driver, seen as a future champion for the Italian squad, is evaluating his options as the 27-year-old looks for a stronger championship contender in his career.
Leclerc’s journey with Ferrari began through their driver academy, leading to his Formula 1 debut with Alfa Romeo (formerly Sauber) in 2018. His strong performances at the Hinwill-based team convinced Ferrari to promote him to their main lineup the following year. Despite claiming two victories in his first season with Ferrari, Leclerc has not yet mounted a full-season challenge for the drivers’ title.
As Formula 1 prepares for a significant reset in 2026, with new technical rules aimed at leveling the competition, there is hope and anticipation around Ferrari’s chances. While McLaren currently leads the standings, the 2026 regulations could provide Ferrari and Leclerc the opportunity to return to championship contention. However, lingering uncertainty remains about whether Ferrari can produce a truly championship-worthy car.
According to reports from Corriere Dello Sport, Leclerc might opt to leave Ferrari following the 2026 season, contingent on how competitive the team becomes under the new rules. This would allow him to activate contractual clauses to exit early, ending the multi-year contract extension he signed in 2024 ahead of schedule.
Challenges at the Singapore Grand Prix Highlight Ferrari’s Struggles
Entering the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari and Charles Leclerc had high expectations based on their qualifying performance history. However, race conditions proved difficult, with Leclerc finishing sixth, while Lewis Hamilton faced brake problems and ended eighth after penalties. These results underscored ongoing challenges for Leclerc and the team.
Reflecting on the difficult race weekend at the Marina Bay Circuit, Leclerc expressed his disappointment:
“It was a really difficult race, unfortunately, a reflection of the whole weekend. Right from Friday, we struggled to find the right feeling with the car and we never managed to put everything together in the way we would have wanted. Today, in traffic it was impossible to move forward, as we also had to deal with cooling problems. Sadly, where we finished reflects where we are today.”
– Charles Leclerc, Ferrari driver
“Over the past two races we have encountered various difficulties that we must now analyse in detail, so that we can start improving again. The aim is to be better prepared and ready to fight with our main rivals in two weeks’ time in the United States.”
– Charles Leclerc, Ferrari driver
Currently, Leclerc holds fifth place in the F1 drivers’ standings, but the recent struggles highlight Ferrari’s ongoing battle to maintain pace with the front-runners.
Leclerc’s Ferrari Future Hinges on Performance Post-2026
Leclerc’s potential exit from Ferrari after 2026 could signal a major shift in Formula 1 driver dynamics. His decision will likely hinge on whether Ferrari capitalizes on the 2026 regulation changes to produce a championship-caliber car. If the team fails to do so, Leclerc may seek opportunities elsewhere to realize his championship ambitions.
This scenario places pressure on Ferrari’s leadership to deliver rapid improvements, knowing their star driver’s patience is limited. The next two seasons, especially the build-up to and execution of the 2026 car, will be critical for convincing Leclerc to remain in Maranello.
Ultimately, this uncertain future emphasizes how crucial competitive performance is to driver retention in Formula 1, where talent and machinery must align perfectly for championship success. Fans and the broader audience will closely watch how Ferrari and Leclerc navigate this pivotal period for both the team and the driver.
