Formula 1 moves fast, and eyes are already turning to 2027. If Ferrari fails to deliver once again, Charles Leclerc could decide to leave — and a new name has emerged as a possible replacement.
Tension is growing inside Ferrari as the team looks ahead to the future. The 2025 season is nearing its end, and it can already be described as a failure. Now all attention is on 2026, a crucial year for several teams. For the Scuderia in particular, it could represent a make-or-break moment for Leclerc, who is growing tired of waiting for a truly competitive car. Meanwhile, some important names are being considered as potential successors.
Rumors circulating in the paddock suggest that Ferrari is already exploring scenarios beyond 2026, taking into account the possibility that Leclerc might decide to move on. After recent frustrations and signs of internal instability, the Maranello team does not want to be caught unprepared. This is where the name of Gabriel Bortoleto is gaining strength as an alternative candidate.
According to the Swiss outlet Blick, the idea of the Brazilian driving for Ferrari has started to take shape. The 2004-born driver has shown he can hold his own on track, scoring consistent points throughout the season and attracting attention for both his speed and reliability. If Leclerc were to “walk away” from Ferrari, Bortoleto could become one of the most intriguing options available.
Of course, he is not the only name under consideration. Recent rumors have mentioned Oscar Piastri as a possible replacement for the Monegasque, perhaps in a potential swap deal with McLaren. Another candidate is Oliver Bearman, already tied to Ferrari and considered a strong long-term prospect. To these names are added speculations linking Ferrari with George Russell, and in more ambitious scenarios, even the dream of Max Verstappen.
However, among all the candidates, Bortoleto stands out for his appeal: young, with plenty of room to grow, and — if Charles Leclerc were to leave — ready to become a fresh face around which to build a new long-term project in red. Ferrari could therefore adopt a dual strategy: retain Leclerc through 2026, while simultaneously preparing a credible plan B to ensure stability for the future.
For now, Ferrari’s driver lineup is the least of its problems, but if next year’s car fails to be competitive, the team will truly need to start looking around. After all, Lewis Hamilton is no longer in his early years, and Leclerc’s lifelong devotion to Ferrari may soon reach its limit.
