A surprising twist in Formula 1 has emerged as Cadillac, set to debut in the sport next year, expressed keen interest in signing Charles Leclerc amid intensifying rumors of his potential exit from Ferrari. Since joining the team in 2019, Leclerc has achieved eight race wins and a runner-up finish in the 2022 championship. However, Ferrari’s current struggles have raised questions about his long-term future with the team, especially as they continue to battle inconsistency and lack of competitiveness.
This season has been particularly frustrating for Leclerc, who currently sits fifth in the Drivers’ Standings, trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by a staggering 163 points. The Monegasque driver has voiced his concerns about the team’s performance, openly admitting that Ferrari has been “badly struggling” with their car setup. His manager, Nicolas Todt, added that Leclerc’s ambition remains unchanged—he wants a car capable of contending for world titles rather than just podiums.
Todt elaborated on Leclerc’s mindset, emphasizing that many drivers, including Charles, are evaluating their options as teams prepare for the upcoming regulation changes. “He’s among the finest talents of his generation alongside Max [Verstappen], but to showcase that, he needs a winning car,” Todt remarked. While Ferrari’s current car shows promise, it still lacks the pace needed to mount a serious title challenge. Both Leclerc and his camp hope the 2026 regulation overhaul will usher in a new era of competitiveness for the Scuderia.
Meanwhile, F1 legend and Cadillac director Mario Andretti publicly praised Leclerc’s talent, calling him “a race winner capable of becoming a world champion with the right machinery.” Andretti admitted that while Cadillac is eager to bring him on board, the team must first prove itself before deserving such a high-caliber driver. “I’d sign him tomorrow,” Andretti stated, “but we must earn the right to attract a talent like that.” His comments underscore Cadillac’s long-term ambition to make an immediate impact in Formula 1.
For now, Leclerc’s future remains uncertain. While his loyalty to Ferrari runs deep after six seasons, his growing frustration with the team’s stagnation could push him to explore new opportunities. The pressure is now squarely on team principal Fred Vasseur to deliver a competitive car under the new regulations. Whether Ferrari can meet Leclerc’s expectations—or risk losing their star driver to an emerging powerhouse like Cadillac—remains one of the sport’s most compelling storylines heading into the next season.
