
Interested parties will eagerly receive the message from Charles Leclerc’s manager that the driver requires a ‘winning car’.
Leclerc wants to win the championship with Ferrari, and the team would need to give him a reason to stay. He has been part of their driver academy and has driven for them since 2019.
But as he nears his 150th start for Ferrari, which will come at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Monegasque still sits on eight career wins. None have come this season, though he does have seven podium finishes.
His second-place finish in 2022, 146 points behind Max Verstappen, remains his best result so far. And there is no guarantee that Ferrari can deliver a title-worthy car while he is still in his prime years.
Leclerc has reportedly received contact from Aston Martin regarding a potential move in 2027, according to Leo Turrini. The move highlights the scale of Lawrence Stroll’s ambition.
The Canadian businessman has already brought in Adrian Newey, widely regarded as one of the best designers in Formula 1 history, and Andy Cowell, who played a key role in Mercedes’ engine success during the turbo-hybrid era.
Aston Martin are also set to receive an exclusive Honda engine supply starting in 2026, alongside an investment of close to £800 million from Stroll.
Turrini reports in Quotidiano Sportivo that Leclerc has a confirmed offer from the Silverstone team, which is reportedly only one of the offers that came for him.
Leclerc’s contract is valid until the end of 2029, but he is said to have negotiated an exit clause for 2026. This clause reportedly permits him to evaluate the performance of Ferrari, as well as their competitors, once the new regulations take effect.
Max Verstappen has been heavily linked to Aston Martin for some time now, but it seems their attention could be turning towards the Monegasque star instead.
After four straight titles, Verstappen is easily the top driver available. But with Fernando Alonso turning 44 soon, Lawrence Stroll might have to look elsewhere if the Dutchman is not realistic.
Mercedes have been in contact with Verstappen about 2027 and are seen as the favourites to land him.
Toto Wolff has also spoken with Leclerc, highlighting how closely connected the futures of Formula 1’s top drivers are becoming.
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