Leclerc and Hamilton’s future
Ferrari team principals are almost eternally pressure, such is the nature of leading Formula 1’s most historic team. Elsewhere, however, there are also big question marks at Maranello.
Charles Leclerc’s loyalty to the Scuderia has never been doubted, but make no mistake – the Monegasque wants to win world titles. Ideally, Leclerc would prefer to accomplish this with Ferrari – but if he does not believe Ferrari can contend in 2026, he will explore his options.
Leclerc’s manager, Nicholas Todt, gave these quotes at the end of last year:
“He’s not a baby anymore, because he has done a lot of seasons with Ferrari… we still need to have a winning car.”
These comments are the closest Leclerc’s camp has come to entertaining the possibility of leaving Ferrari. The overwhelming belief heading into 2026 is that it’s “now or never” for this driver-team combination to reach the summit.
Other teams are unsurprisingly interested in the 28-year-old, and this year’s driver market promises to have several vacancies.
For Lewis Hamilton, this year is also essential. 2026 is widely seen as a fresh start for the 7-time Champion, who stands to benefit from the change in regulations and having spent over a year integrating himself at Maranello.
The British driver has also been involved in the SF-26’s development, something he welcomes after spending most of 2025 at odds with his car.
With Hamilton entering his 40s, a poor start to the 2026 regulations could be catastrophic for his Ferrari timeline. In short, from the team’s senior management to driver line-up, a lot depends on the SF-26. (cont. on next page)
