F1 team ‘prepared to release driver’ as Charles Leclerc exit talk grows

January 21, 2026 Oliver Obel

A potential opening in Aston Martin’s driver line-up has added fresh momentum to speculation surrounding Charles Leclerc’s long-term future in Formula 1, as teams begin positioning themselves for the sport’s 2026 regulatory overhaul.

Italian motorsport outlet AutoMoto has reported that the Ferrari driver could emerge as a serious target if Aston Martin reshapes its roster, highlighting how upcoming contract decisions may influence the wider driver market.

Ferrari frustrations and contract pressure

Leclerc endured a challenging 2025 season with Ferrari, with the SF-25 rarely proving capable of challenging for race victories. Even so, the 28-year-old delivered a consistent campaign, securing seven podium finishes and finishing fifth in the drivers’ standings.

He ended the year 86 points clear of teammate Lewis Hamilton, a margin that underlined his ability to extract results despite the car’s limitations.

According to AutoMoto, Leclerc’s Ferrari contract includes a performance-related release clause that could be activated at the end of 2026, depending on the team’s competitiveness. That detail has fuelled renewed discussion about whether the Monegasque driver could eventually seek a new challenge.

Why Aston Martin could be an option

Aston Martin’s situation adds another layer to the conversation. Fernando Alonso’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, leaving the Silverstone-based team facing a key decision about its future driver pairing.

While Lance Stroll is believed to be contracted on a multi-year agreement, AutoMoto reports that the team could consider releasing the Canadian early if a driver of Leclerc’s profile became available. The report describes Aston Martin as Leclerc’s “first option” should he decide to leave Ferrari, although no official interest has been confirmed by either side.

Such a move would represent a significant statement of intent from Aston Martin as teams prepare for sweeping technical changes in 2026.

Focus on 2026 and Ferrari’s response

Despite the speculation, Leclerc has publicly emphasised his belief in Ferrari’s prospects under the new regulations. Speaking after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he acknowledged the importance of the upcoming season for the team’s long-term direction.

“I do, and next year will be a crucial year,” Leclerc said. “The whole team is hugely motivated for next year, because it’s such a big change, a huge opportunity to show what Ferrari is capable of. It’s now or never.”

He added that the early races of the new era would quickly reveal the competitive order, saying: “By race six or seven, I think we’ll have a good idea of who are the teams that will be dominating for the four years after.”

For now, Ferrari’s ability to deliver a competitive 2026 package may prove decisive in determining whether Leclerc’s future remains in red—or becomes one of the biggest stories of the next Formula 1 cycle.

Sources: AutoMoto