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Charles Leclerc reinforced his reputation as one of the most highly regarded F1 drivers in 2025, and rival teams are wondering whether he could break his contract at Ferrari.
The 28-year-old regularly hauled his SF-25 to results that Ferrari, arguably, did not deserve during the 2025 season. Leclerc secured the Scuderia their few positive Grand Prix results in a bleak 24-round campaign, as the pride of Italy endured their first winless term since 2021.
Leclerc scored all seven of Ferrari’s Grand Prix podium finishes this year, including P2 results in Monaco and Mexico City. He achieved P3 in Saudi Arabia, Spain, Austria, Belgium and the United States. Lewis Hamilton sealed four P4 finishes for his best results after joining Ferrari.
Rival brands are now paying very close attention to the situation in Maranello, as Leclerc can break his Ferrari contract through 2029 and leave in 2026 if their car for the new regulations flops. Aston Martin, McLaren and Red Bull are especially watching Leclerc’s situation closely.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc tells his manager not to speak with any rival F1 teams
But while recent reports have linked Leclerc with potential moves to Aston Martin, McLaren and Red Bull for 2027, FunoAnalisiTecnica claims the Monegasque has just told his manager not to speak with any rival F1 teams. Ferrari are Leclerc’s ‘only focus’ for the future, for now.
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Leclerc has received approaches from rival F1 teams for several years. But it has emerged in ‘the last few days’ that he does not want Nicolas Todt to discuss his future with other teams while trying to focus on helping Ferrari get ready for the start of the 2026 F1 regulations era.
The eight-time career Grand Prix winner has ‘nothing else on his mind’ beyond his relentless love for Ferrari. But how the pride of Italy begin the 2026 regulations era, with fresh engine, aerodynamic and chassis rules, will still have a major influence on Leclerc’s long-term future.
Charles Leclerc’s manager has already spoken with Aston Martin and Red Bull
Leclerc’s decision to focus on Ferrari and the 2026 regulations follows an increasing number of reports linking him with a move away. It is said that McLaren are particularly interested in Leclerc, as doubts are also starting to grow concerning Oscar Piastri’s future beyond 2026.
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Similarly, Red Bull would target Leclerc if Max Verstappen were to leave, as the Dutchman’s future in Milton Keynes beyond the 2026 season is still unclear. It is even said that Todt has already discussed Leclerc’s situation with Red Bull, in view of a move in the 2027 F1 season.
Additionally, Aston Martin have repeatedly contacted Todt to discuss Leclerc’s availability in view of the 2027 season, given Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are both currently due to be out of contract. Leclerc is under contract through 2029, but he can use a release clause.
Aston Martin, McLaren and Red Bull may now have to hope that Ferrari struggle at the start of the 2026 regulations cycle and it convinces Leclerc to leave. Leclerc fears one team could dominate F1 for “four years” if they start the 2026 regulations cycle with a clear advantage.
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