Charles Leclerc, one of Formula 1’s brightest talents, has long harboured the ambition of becoming a world champion. However, the Monegasque driver may now be realising that leaving Ferrari could be the only way to fulfil that dream.
Since joining the Scuderia in 2019, Charles Leclerc has faced challenges in consistently competing for victories due to underperforming machinery and occasional strategic missteps. While widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers on the grid over a single lap, his tally of race wins with Ferrari stands at just eight. In 2025, the Monegasque driver has secured six podium finishes, including a third-place result at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Ferrari’s pace has shown signs of improvement recently, but for much of the season, the team lagged behind the frontrunners.
With Ferrari yet to claim a race victory in 2025, the team has shifted focus towards the 2026 regulations, aiming to build a package capable of challenging at the front. Charles Leclerc has noted promising performance in the simulator, but rumours suggest he may be exploring other opportunities within Formula 1.
Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari contract and 2027 market speculation
Although the Monegasque’s is contracted with the Maranello team until 2029, multiple reports indicate that the 28-year-old could consider a move in 2027. Several top teams have already been linked to the driver, intensifying the speculation around his future.
Charles Leclerc and Aston Martin: a potential 2027 move
Charles Leclerc’s potential switch to Aston Martin has become a major talking point in F1 circles. There is a possibility that he is strategically testing Ferrari, aiming to emphasise his value rather than actively seeking to leave. Nevertheless, Aston Martin would have a seat available should Fernando Alonso retire at the end of 2026, and discussions have reportedly taken place between the Monegasque driver’s camp and the Silverstone team.
Former F1 driver and pundit Christian Danner has highlighted the growing attention around Aston Martin as a 2027 destination. Speaking to Motorsport-Magazin, Danner explained that Aston Martin represents a realistic option given their strong technical setup with Honda and Adrian Newey, and Alonso’s potential retirement would open the door.
Danner noted that other potential options include Mercedes, depending on the future of George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, while a Red Bull move appears unlikely. “Aston Martin is a hot topic, and if Alonso leaves after next year, there’s no question it could happen,” he said. “Mercedes is also a possibility depending on contracts, but I don’t see Red Bull as an option.”
Other teams linked with Leclerc amid Ferrari exit rumours
Beyond Aston Martin, Charles Leclerc’s representatives have reportedly contacted multiple teams about potential opportunities. Red Bull could be an option if Max Verstappen decides to activate any exit clauses, while Mercedes remain a possibility depending on the Silver Arrows’ future plans for Russell and Antonelli.
McLaren has also been linked to the Monegasque star, with speculation of a potential swap involving Oscar Piastri circulating in recent weeks. Whether these talks are strategic manoeuvres or genuine considerations, it is clear that Ferrari will be highly motivated to retain their most valuable driver.
As Formula 1 heads toward the 2026 season, a lot of focus will be on Charles Leclerc’s future decisions. With multiple top teams expressing interest, the 2027 driver market could see one of its most significant moves yet if Ferrari cannot guarantee a package capable of satisfying Charles Leclerc’s championship ambitions.
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