Charles Leclerc tells Ferrari the ‘important’ step they must take in 2026 to secure his F1 future

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Charles Leclerc has told Ferrari that he’s hoping to ‘get back on top of the podium’ as quickly as he can, after discussions about his Formula 1 future lingered in the paddock last season.

Ferrari were in a world of trouble last season, failing to win a single Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton failed to secure a single Grand Prix podium, while Charles Leclerc had to settle for seven top-three finishes without ever winning a race.

Finish the sentence: In 2027, Charles Leclerc will be driving for _____

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Leclerc told Ferrari that 2026 was ‘now or never’ for his future with the team at the end of the previous campaign, and there are already signs that the Scuderia have taken notice.

The Monegasque driver was on the podium at the Australian Grand Prix and has now delivered a message to team principal Fred Vasseur and the rest of the team on what they need to do to keep him happy.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Charles Leclerc feels ‘closer’ than before at Ferrari to challenging for his first F1 title

Leclerc was asked on Sky Sports F1 (15/3 6:14 am) about the mood in the Ferrari camp right now and said: “It’s probably flipped 180 like the wing, yeah.

“I mean, last year, it wasn’t as bad as what the perception was outside the team. We were very, very motivated. We had moved very early on from the season to this year’s car.

“And to see this amount of innovation, I think, on our cars, something that motivates and pushes the team to think outside the box, and to try and find solutions with these new rules, in order to gain an advantage.”

It was then put to Leclerc by host Simon Lazenby that he has ‘a signature that everyone, up and down, would like’.

He was then asked how important this season is for his Ferrari future and responded: “It’s important. It’s always been a dream come true to be driving for Ferrari.

“I’m very much focused on this year, and hoping to finally get back on top of the podium as soon as possible.”

Asked if that’s possible and whether he could be a championship contender, Leclerc said: “It’s very early to say. I think speaking about, again, innovations and what I’ve seen in the car, I felt closer than I’ve been in the past with Ferrari, to reach that target.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Which F1 teams could target Charles Leclerc if he decides to leave Ferrari?

As Lazenby alludes to in his interview with Leclerc, very few teams wouldn’t look at the 28-year-old if he decided to leave Ferrari.

Right now, the only car that’s potentially faster than the SF-26 is Mercedes, and it’s hard to see Toto Wolff deciding to let either George Russell or Andrea Kimi Antonelli go despite the team’s indecision about offering both drivers new contracts in 2025.

Leclerc is on a long-term deal at Ferrari, but it’s believed to include several exit clauses that the Monegasque driver could use if needed.

Red Bull have been linked with Leclerc as a potential replacement for Max Verstappen should the four-time world champion decide to walk away from Formula 1.

The Dutchman has admitted that he’s not happy with the new cars or regulation changes, but insists he’s still committed to Red Bull.

It’s believed that Leclerc has lost interest in a move to Aston Martin due to their struggles, but right now, he looks like he’s in the best place to achieve his world championship ambitions.