Ferrari, an unknown factor for Charles Leclerc
The future of the Monegasque driver could intertwine with that of Adrian Newey. The competitiveness of the SF-26 will be the decisive element in clarifying scenarios and internal hierarchies.
Ferrari has returned to the centre of attention, amid official news and paddock rumours. The first arrived on Friday evening, with the announcement of the separation between Lewis Hamilton and Riccardo Adami. This was followed by the fire-up of the new engine, a “symbolic” step that helped to put an end to rumours surrounding alleged delays in the development of the single-seater.
This is a moment that brings Ferrari ever closer to the new season, which must necessarily represent a break from the previous one. The first real appointment will be Friday 23 January, with the presentation of the livery followed by a shakedown at Fiorano. The team is expected to unveil the SF-26 in the morning, although at the moment this has not been confirmed officially.
Leclerc and the market rumours heading towards 2026
Previously, we had already mentioned interest from several teams in Charles Leclerc. Juan Pablo Montoya had also stated that he was certain that talks had taken place between Nicolas Todt, the Monegasque’s manager, and some teams in the paddock.
The topic is becoming increasingly relevant, as Charles Leclerc’s own words are still echoing, when he declared that 2026 would be an “now or never” moment. A likely final year at Ferrari, should the team fail to deliver a competitive car.
Leclerc is growing increasingly restless. He is hungry for victories and eager to be the protagonist of this season. He no longer wants to watch others win, but wants to be the one stepping onto the top step of the podium, race after race.
Returning to the transfer rumours, the name of Aston Martin is once again being linked to car number 16, as the British team prepares to enter an entirely new phase. Not only from a regulatory point of view, but also thanks to the significant presence of Adrian Newey, designer and Team Principal. Not only that, as Lawrence Stroll’s team will also abandon Mercedes power units in favour of Honda engines.
Furthermore, Fernando Alonso could vacate his seat at the end of the year. As a result, the Aston Martin elements and an increasingly ambitious Leclerc could start to align. Everything, however, still depends on the car itself, which could overturn – or confirm – the scenario described.
Leclerc, Newey and the Aston Martin hypothesis
The interest of the British team in Charles Leclerc has resurfaced following comments made by Ralf Bach. During a YouTube live stream on the F1 Insider channel, the German journalist spoke about Leclerc’s possible future, linking it to the figure of Adrian Newey. According to Bach, Adrian Newey would consider Leclerc a driver whose driving style perfectly matches his cars.
“From what I’ve heard, Adrian Newey believes that Leclerc’s driving style is the most suitable for his cars. In recent years at Red Bull, the cars were built around Verstappen and were extremely fast when the driver managed to handle them in the right way. That’s why I believe Leclerc is highly valued by Aston Martin and by Newey himself.”
Bach then added shortly afterwards: “His driving style should be very similar to that of Max Verstappen, and this can play a fundamental role for a designer like him.” The journalist also made an important clarification about Charles Leclerc’s current situation at Ferrari: “He is, however, once again under examination. He beat Hamilton, but now he has to do it again. If Lewis Hamilton were to turn the situation around, he could extend his career.”
Leclerc under scrutiny in the comparison with Hamilton
Under scrutiny, yes, but also because the 2026 Formula 1 season is a complete unknown. The performances of the two drivers could mirror those of 2025, they could be evenly matched, or they could see Lewis Hamilton dominate Charles Leclerc. The direct comparison will be fascinating.
This year Lewis Hamilton is expected to send a signal, a clear indication of his presence at Maranello. Even so, when comparing the number of years spent within the team, perhaps the British driver still has some work to do compared to Charles Leclerc.
This is also because the new single-seaters require a new driving style, and Hamilton’s lack of confidence with ground-effect cars is well known. It would therefore be a fresh start for him as well. And if that were the case, if Hamilton were to come out on top against Charles Leclerc, would the Monegasque decide to leave Ferrari?
Everything will depend on the competitiveness of the car. Everything will depend on the opportunities that the SF-26 will be able to offer both team-mates to fight on equal terms and, above all, at the front of the grid. And if that were the case, and if Charles were to lose out to Lewis, he could still decide to stay on and try once again to seize his chance.
Then, of course, there is always the question of how the coexistence between the two would be managed. In that case, Ferrari would have to decide whether to keep them on equal footing or to back one driver over the other. 2026 therefore remains a huge question mark. What can be said is that the car must be evaluated first, because after the 2025 season, having a competitive car with excellent performance would already represent a solid foundation.
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