The Formula 1 driver market never truly sleeps. The recent news of Gianpiero Lambiase’s departure from Red Bull to join McLaren is yet another reminder that major moves can happen at any time, even during periods without race weekends.
This development has sparked renewed speculation about Max Verstappen’s future, with some suggesting that McLaren could become a potential destination. At the same time, discussions have resurfaced regarding Charles Leclerc’s long-term position at Ferrari.
Weighing in on the matter is former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher, now a technical analyst for Sky Germany, who has issued a clear warning to the Monegasque driver about the risks of leaving Maranello for Red Bull, particularly if a seat were to open up.
Ralf Schumacher advises Charles Leclerc
“Well, I think we have to be honest here and say that, at the moment, Red Bull is not an obvious choice for a Formula 1 driver,” Schumacher explained.
“Right now there is a project, but it is a long-term one. The team is a bit in trouble, there is chaos here and there, and not good communication with the outside world.”
“I don’t know if it would make sense for someone like Charles Leclerc to decide to leave a team like Ferrari, which has just started to function in the right way. It wouldn’t be a very smart move.”
“Of course, Ferrari needs to continue developing young drivers, but they should at least keep one, and his name is Charles Leclerc,” he added.
Leclerc’s future and current F1 balance
In truth, at least for now, the rumours suggesting that Charles Leclerc could leave Ferrari if he did not have a title-contending car by the 2026 season have begun to fade.
While it is clear that the SF-26 is not yet a championship-winning car, it is equally evident that the alternatives most frequently mentioned in the past — namely Aston Martin and Red Bull — are currently not in a stronger position than Ferrari.
For Charles Leclerc, the idea of staying — something he has never publicly questioned, consistently expressing strong loyalty and affection for the Scuderia — may therefore represent the best option given the current competitive balance in Formula 1.
Ralf Schumacher’s assessment highlights the shifting landscape of the 2026 F1 season. While Red Bull was once the untouchable benchmark, the departure of key personnel like Lambiase and the ongoing internal friction have tarnished its appeal to rival stars. For Charles Leclerc, the patience shown during Ferrari’s rebuilding phase is finally starting to pay dividends, as the team shows signs of organizational maturity that Red Bull currently lacks. The priority for the Monegasque remains clear: stay at the heart of the Ferrari project and capitalize on the growing momentum at Maranello, rather than risking a move to a Milton Keynes squad that is currently searching for its own identity in the post-Newey era.
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