After the conclusion of an immensely difficult season, Ferrari hope to deliver a winning package in 2026. Not only will this impact their foundation for the new generation of Formula 1, but also Charles Leclerc’s future.
This year was the Monegasque’s seventh campaign with the Scuderia, representing a significant period – especially in modern in F1. To put this into perspective, only Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen have completed more races with Ferrari.
Having committed to the team for so long, 2026 is seen as make-or-break for Leclerc’s relationship with the team.
Ferrari must deliver as Leclerc patience runs out
Despite some of the unpredictability at Red Bull and Alpine, this year has been relatively quiet in terms of the driver market.
With such a radical set of regulations approaching, this was hardly a surprise. Teams and drivers alike are waiting to see what the pecking order looks like next season.
For Ferrari, 2026 is a huge opportunity to change the narrative. Unlike Red Bull and McLaren, the Italian squad failed to secure a world title during the ground effect regulations.
Moreover, unlike Mercedes, Ferrari have gone almost twenty years without a world title – an unacceptably long time for such a heavyweight of the sport.
Leclerc has been patient since entering the doors of Maranello. The 28-year-old rarely criticises the team, always seeking the diplomatic route during post-race interviews when he is regularly questioned about performance and operational efficiency.
Leclerc’s desire to win a title with Ferrari is well-established, and is why – prior to this year – there have never been serious indications he is considering taking his services elsewhere.
In recent weeks, however, it has become clear that things are changing. The Monegasque leaves no room for doubt about 2026 being definitive the next half-decade in Formula 1.
His manager, Nicholas Todt, gave some very insightful comments in early October:
“He’s not a baby anymore, because he has done a lot of seasons with Ferrari… we still need to have a winning car.
“We hope it will happen, and we hope next year Ferrari will have a very good car with the new regulations.”
As ever, the preference is winning with Ferrari. That said, if Ferrari are not positioned to win, other options must be considered.
Aston Martin among potential alternatives for Leclerc
According to Corriere Della Sera, Aston Martin are among the teams interested in Charles Leclerc for 2027.
The Silverstone-based outfit have invested aggressively in transforming themselves over recent years. Their Honda partnership, acquisition of Adrian Newey and construction of new development facilities are evidence of clear ambition.
Should this materialise into a competitive package next year, it could be a key catalyst in the driver market.
Last weekend’s Abu Dhabi GP saw Fernando Alonso end the year with a 24-0 record against Lance Stroll in qualifying. Assuming even a remotely similar trend continues next year, Alonso will continue as Aston’s reference.
In a scenario where Aston Martin are fighting for wins, Alonso is expected to lead the charge for the British team. Should Stroll lag behind as in previous seasons, his position will be increasingly at risk.
With new sponsors and a Honda engine partnership in place, the British team need the strongest line-up possible. If Alonso continues to race in 2027, it is difficult to imagine Aston Martin overlooking Charles Leclerc – assuming he is interested in joining.
Alternately, if the Double World Champion chooses to retire, at least one vacancy will naturally present itself.
Regardless, depending on how Ferrari and Aston Martin perform, Leclerc could be central in the 2026 driver market.
Main photo: Scuderia Ferrari Media Gallery