Ralf Schumacher has heard that Charles Leclerc is ‘currently’ talking to F1 strugglers Aston Martin

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Max Verstappen is not the only big name that could make a move for the 2027 F1 season, as Ralf Schumacher has heard murmurs of talks between Charles Leclerc and Aston Martin.

Verstappen is considering his future, not just with Red Bull, but in F1, as he constantly batters the 2026 regulations. He is not enjoying driving the 2026 cars and is demanding changes from the FIA.

While the prospect of a sabbatical is real, the four-time champion could look to leave Red Bull, which he can do in 2026 through an exit clause, and find a faster car. The likes of Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari have been mentioned, which have implications for Leclerc.

Leclerc could leave Ferrari in 2026 through an exit clause in his contract, which expires in 2029. Years of underperformance have left the Monegasque driver frustrated, and reportedly, considering his options.

Jolyon Palmer can see Verstappen replacing Leclerc at Ferrari if he decides to leave Red Bull. The door could potentially be open, as Schumacher has heard rumours of talks with Aston Martin.

Ralf Schumacher hears rumours that Charles Leclerc is talking to Aston Martin

Discussing Verstappen’s future and where he could end up in 2027, Schumacher said via Backstage Boxengasse: “Yeah, well, I don’t know, I can’t imagine that George Russell has signed a one-year deal. Anything’s possible, of course. I’ve no idea, because it was also about salaries.

“Perhaps Toto Wolff said, ‘OK, you’ll get that, but only for a fixed year and we want to see how it goes.’ That’s possible, of course.

“On the other hand, at the moment Mercedes is winning with the car, with both drivers. I can hardly imagine it. Then Ferrari would be more likely to be on the list, as they’ll need someone at some point, because Lewis Hamilton probably won’t be driving forever.

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“I mean, he’s doing a good job at the moment, no question about it, but the question is how long he wants to keep doing it.

“There are also rumours that Charles Leclerc is currently in talks with Aston Martin. So from that perspective, these are all the sort of things that are doing the rounds.

“Of course, it’s also important now to wait and see what happens with Max. Is he enjoying it more again? Is he going to stop dabbling in Formula 1, shall we say, and focus more on his job again? I think so. I mean, he’s far too young to stop. That would be nonsense.”

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

Aston Martin would be keen on signing Charles Leclerc

Aston Martin have been keeping tabs on the Ferrari driver for some time. With Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll out of contract in 2026, there could be a space open for Leclerc as Lawrence Stroll hopes to lead the team to success.

Adrian Newey privately thinks that Leclerc would suit his car and would be a great fit at Aston Martin. The problem is that the Silverstone squad are currently far off the pace, struggling to finish races with an underdeveloped car, while Ferrari are battling for podiums.

What’s more, Alonso has said he is not looking to retire at the end of 2026, and given his relationship with his father, Stroll is unlikely to lose his seat either.

Aston Martin feels like a backwards step for Leclerc right now. But if Ferrari cannot deliver success and the Silverstone outfit improve their desperate situation, it may be an opinion worth considering.