Charles Leclerc could quit Ferrari in 2026 and Lewis Hamilton’s warning explains why

Until recently, Leclerc’s commitment to Ferrari hadn’t been questioned. But after they fell far behind McLaren this year, there are signs that his patience might finally be wearing thin.

Leclerc could assess Ferrari future if 2026 car doesn’t compete

Leclerc has always spoken about his passion for Ferrari. Driving for the team was his childhood dream – and he still hopes to bring a title back to Maranello.

But time isn’t on his side forever. In modern F1, Nico Rosberg is the only driver to win his first championship after turning 30.

The BBC has reported that Leclerc’s contract includes an exit clause that becomes active in 2026. Chinchero believes he might be willing to use it if the team can’t deliver a competitive car next year.

While the upcoming regulation changes could allow Ferrari to close the gap, history hasn’t been kind to them following major technical overhauls – including the struggles they faced in 2014.

“This is one of the many responsibilities Ferrari will have in 2026,” Chinchero explained. “The 2026 car will decide many things for the future of Ferrari.

“That car will determine many choices, including whether Leclerc will stay at Maranello. If the car is competitive, I think there will be no reason for Leclerc to change squad. Leclerc loves Ferrari.

“But it could become a golden prison – you have realised a dream of becoming a Ferrari Formula 1 driver, you have achieved worldwide fame, you have become very wealthy, but you see others win.

“After a while, this can be a cause for frustration. If the car doesn’t go well, everything will collapse.”

Hamilton has already pushed Ferrari to shift focus to 2026

Reports have emerged that Lewis Hamilton is urging Ferrari to prioritise next year’s car. With the team nearly 200 points behind McLaren in the current standings, he doesn’t see much value in continuing to chase short-term gains this season.

Many within the engineering team reportedly agree, fearing that continued focus on the struggling SF-25 could leave them behind going into the new era. Hamilton understands that building momentum early could be the difference between catching up or falling further back.

So far, team principal Fred Vasseur has resisted shifting resources away from 2025. But if Leclerc aligns himself with Hamilton’s view, the internal pressure to change course might become too strong to ignore.

Leclerc signed a new contract in 2024, which could keep him at Ferrari until 2029. But he made sure to include an exit option for 2026 – showing that he’s not willing to fully commit without seeing real progress first.