Is Charles Leclerc Leaving Ferrari in 2026?
The Pressure Cooker in Maranello
Charles Leclerc has always been fiercely loyal to Ferrari. But after another underwhelming race weekend, reports are swirling: He’s questioning whether staying with Ferrari is the right path. The setting? A team expected to eclipse McLaren now lagging behind them. A car meant to challenge for titles that rarely even reaches the podium.
Leclerc showed glimpses of that frustration in Montreal. Asked whether he’s really considering a future elsewhere, he was measured but firm:
“I’m very surprised. I mean, I have no idea where it’s coming from… I love the team.”
Which could mean one thing: he’s said enough.
Ferrari’s Full–Season Collapse
By mid-June, Ferrari finds itself stuck in neutral:
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Once genuine title challengers, they’ve stalled—zero wins this season, while rivals rack up multiple podiums and victories.
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In Montreal, Leclerc qualified P8 and limped home P5 despite strong pace.
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He specifically called out strategic missteps and slow pit calls, admitting the team twice overrode his suggestions—a symptom of confusion, not calculation.
Internally, morale is suffering. And Leclerc isn’t the only one disillusioned.
Hamilton’s Silent Warning
Even Lewis Hamilton—Ferrari’s marquee new signing—seems to agree in silence.
Hamilton recently “liked” a harsh social post criticizing Ferrari’s 2025 campaign and their treatment of both drivers. Though he quickly unliked it, the signal was clear: Hamilton isn’t blind to Ferrari’s flaws. He later reaffirmed support for team boss Fred Vasseur. But that conflicted interaction adds fuel to the gossip: a driving stable in disarray doesn’t operate in harmony for long.
Why Leclerc May Walk
It’s not just the results—it’s the direction:
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Entry into the 2026 regulation reset poses a fresh start… perhaps elsewhere.
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Without a turnaround, staying could mean competing without winning.
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With Mercedes expressing interest, the lure of a fresh mindset—and a team with consistent strategy—grows stronger by the week.
Leclerc’s utterance of love for Ferrari may be his way of saying: I want to stay. But not at any cost.
Our Take at 99 Bends
Let’s be clear: Ferrari’s underperformance isn’t due to driving errors. Leclerc has delivered. The problem is the team around him—strategy, communication, development. If Ferrari can’t get that right, they risk watching their top talent jump ship. And when that happens, scuderia prestige won’t matter—they’ll be seeking answers, not applause.
What Do You Think?
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Is Leclerc justified in questioning his Ferrari future?
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Can the team drag themselves out of this slump in time?
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Or is Maranello already past the point of no return?
Join the conversation on Instagram @99bends or head to our Sim League race nights. Because Ferrari’s next move could reshape F1—and not in red.
– Keith
Director, 99 Bends Trackside Singapore
“Where loyalty meets reality—and sometimes, they don’t reconcile.”