Charles Leclerc’s standing at Ferrari has taken a dramatic turn just moments after a dispiriting campaign concluded. With Ferrari slipping to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship and Leclerc securing only fifth among the drivers, the season ended without a single Grand Prix victory for either him or the team. Their lone triumph came from Hamilton’s sprint success in China, underscoring how far the Scuderia fell behind their rivals.
Despite Ferrari diverting resources early toward the 2026 project, the year remained deeply underwhelming. Hopes now rest on next season’s sweeping technical regulations, which could disrupt the competitive order. Yet if Ferrari again fails to challenge McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes, Leclerc may be compelled to reassess his long-term prospects. Although publicly optimistic, he described next year as “crucial,” intensifying rumours about a possible departure.
Leclerc’s history with Ferrari runs deep. After joining the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and debuting with Sauber in 2018, he stepped into the scarlet car the following year, collecting eight career wins before agreeing to a long-term deal in 2024. BBC Sport suggests that contract extends through 2029, but doubts persist over whether he will remain if Ferrari stagnates. Reports claim he could evaluate his options within the first several races of 2026, with at least three teams already monitoring the situation.
Aston Martin, Mercedes, and McLaren have been most strongly connected to Leclerc. Italian outlets allege Aston Martin directly contacted his management, while Toto Wolff has openly praised the Monegasque talent. Meanwhile, uncertainty around Oscar Piastri’s place at McLaren—paired with potential Red Bull interest—adds further intrigue to the driver market. Still, Leclerc maintains his ambition lies with returning Ferrari to championship contention.
Following Abu Dhabi, he reiterated his commitment, acknowledging the hardships of the year but highlighting the “big opportunity” offered by next season’s regulatory overhaul. Ferrari, he stressed, is working relentlessly to reclaim its place at the summit. His hope remains unwavering: that the iconic Italian team will finally restore its former dominance.
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