Charles Leclerc reportedly exploring options with Mercedes as frustration with Ferrari’s stagnation deepens
For years, Charles Leclerc has been one of the most emotionally connected drivers to his team, embodying the spirit and heritage of Scuderia Ferrari. His rise through the Ferrari Driver Academy and his devotion to the team made him a symbol of Ferrari’s future. However, recent developments suggest that the Monegasque driver may finally be ready to make decisions based on logic rather than loyalty, as his patience with Ferrari’s long-term project begins to fade.
Since joining the team in 2019, Leclerc has delivered memorable performances, including eight Formula 1 Grand Prix victories and two particularly emotional triumphs at Monza — the iconic Italian home race that made him a hero among the Tifosi. His tenure with Ferrari has been filled with highs and lows, moments of brilliance, and periods of deep frustration caused by inconsistent competitiveness. Yet despite these challenges, Leclerc’s loyalty has never been questioned — until now.
Leclerc closing in on Ferrari milestones, but future remains uncertain
In 2026, Charles Leclerc is expected to surpass Kimi Räikkönen to become the second most-capped Ferrari driver in Formula 1 history, trailing only the legendary Michael Schumacher. It’s an achievement that reflects both his commitment and Ferrari’s long-standing faith in his abilities. However, reports from Corriere dello Sport indicate that the 27-year-old’s future beyond that milestone is no longer guaranteed. Sources close to the team reveal that while the Monegasque remains focused on delivering strong results this season, he has already begun exploring potential options with rival teams for 2027 and beyond.
Like many drivers on the grid, Charles Leclerc is reportedly waiting to see how the competitive hierarchy evolves under the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes before making a firm decision. However, behind the scenes, discussions with other teams have already started — and the speculation points toward one of Ferrari’s oldest rivals.
Talks with Mercedes reportedly underway as Leclerc assesses 2027 options
While Leclerc’s lifelong dream remains to win a Formula 1 World Championship with Ferrari, insiders claim he has now recognized that blind loyalty could jeopardize his career. Despite his runner-up finish in the 2022 F1 season, Ferrari has yet to provide him with a car capable of sustaining a true title challenge across an entire campaign. The realization that another missed opportunity could cost him his prime competitive years has reportedly pushed Leclerc to keep his options open.
According to the Italian daily newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Charles Leclerc’s management has established “a dense network of contacts” with other teams, with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team at the center of those conversations. The eight-time Constructors’ Champions are known to be evaluating their driver options for 2027, particularly as team principal Toto Wolff monitors the long-term situations of both Max Verstappen and the Monegasque himself.
Although Mercedes’ main objective remains securing Verstappen, insiders believe that Leclerc could be the perfect alternative if Red Bull refuses to part ways with the Dutch driver. Toto Wolff is reportedly considering a “Plan B” scenario in which Charles Leclerc could lead Mercedes into the new era of Formula 1 regulations, potentially replacing George Russell or an aging Lewis Hamilton.
McLaren also part of the conversation
The report also hints that McLaren could emerge as a potential destination. With Oscar Piastri rumored to be on Ferrari’s long-term radar, a seat exchange between the two teams has been suggested as a plausible scenario. Leclerc’s representatives are said to have initiated exploratory discussions with several teams to evaluate the most competitive options available once contracts open up for the post-2026 era.
Tensions rise after Leclerc’s comments on Ferrari’s lack of progress
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc’s frustration with Ferrari appears to be growing more visible. The same Italian outlet reports that his remarks following the Singapore Grand Prix angered some of the team’s senior engineers. After qualifying seventh and finishing sixth, behind Mercedes rising star Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc expressed disappointment at Ferrari’s inability to match the development pace of their rivals. He reportedly told journalists that Mercedes had made significant strides in recent races, just as Red Bull had earlier in the season, while Ferrari remained stagnant. According to Leclerc, the situation made it difficult to stay optimistic about the remaining rounds of the championship.
Those comments, although accurate, have reportedly caused internal tension at Maranello. Team sources say that several engineers felt the remarks were unfair, particularly given the effort put into the team’s 2025 car upgrades. Nonetheless, the numbers support Charles Leclerc’s assessment: Mercedes has overtaken Ferrari for second place in the Constructors’ Standings, while Red Bull Racing has closed the gap to within eight points.
Signs of resignation and growing uncertainty about Ferrari’s direction
Observers noted that Charles Leclerc appeared visibly dejected after the Singapore race, with one journalist describing his demeanor as a “look of total resignation.” The driver who once carried Ferrari’s championship hopes with unshakeable optimism now seems to be questioning whether those ambitions can still be realized with the Scuderia. As he approaches his 29th birthday by the end of the next season, Charles Leclerc is keenly aware that his window to secure a world title is narrowing.
Adding to the uncertainty, Ferrari is rumored to be evaluating future talent options. Reports suggest that the team is keeping a close eye on Gabriel Bortoleto, while also nurturing Oliver Bearman through its academy and Haas affiliation. With Lewis Hamilton nearing the final stretch of his career, Ferrari could find itself with an entirely new driver pairing by 2027 — a possibility that would completely reshape the team’s long-term trajectory.
Charles Leclerc’s relationship with Ferrari has always been defined by loyalty, passion, and shared ambition. Yet, after years of waiting for the team to deliver a truly championship-contending car, that bond is being tested. With Mercedes and McLaren now reportedly in the mix, and with Formula 1’s 2026 regulation overhaul looming, the 27-year-old driver faces one of the most critical decisions of his career.
Whether he chooses to continue fighting for Ferrari’s long-term vision or pursue a fresh challenge with another top team, one thing is clear: the 2027 Formula 1 season could mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of the sport’s most talented and determined drivers.
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