Charles Leclerc Reportedly Weighing Ferrari Exit Amid Performance Woes and Hamilton’s Frustration
Charles Leclerc is reportedly contemplating his long-term future with Scuderia Ferrari amid growing frustration over the team’s lack of competitiveness. Despite being in his seventh season with the iconic Italian outfit, Leclerc has managed only eight Grand Prix victories—a statistic that appears even more underwhelming when compared to rising stars like Oscar Piastri, who already has seven wins despite only recently joining the Formula One grid.
The Monegasque driver, who is currently under contract with Ferrari until 2029, is said to be growing disillusioned with the team’s ongoing struggle to challenge for titles. According to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, Leclerc has begun to reflect on his career trajectory, especially in light of the emergence of younger talents such as Piastri and Lando Norris. Both drivers have rapidly risen through the ranks and are now considered frontrunners, regularly battling Max Verstappen at the sharp end of the grid—something Leclerc hasn’t been able to do consistently in 2024.
Ferrari’s performance this season has been underwhelming, with only two podium finishes to date—one at Leclerc’s home Grand Prix in Monaco and another recently in Barcelona. These results appear to mark the ceiling of what the team can achieve under the current regulations. With no realistic chance of competing for the championship, Leclerc is reportedly starting to “look around” for future opportunities, particularly with significant rule changes set to shake up the Formula One landscape in 2026.
His discontent appears to echo similar concerns raised by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The British driver, who is also struggling with his team’s competitiveness, has reportedly voiced frustrations that his input and feedback are not being sufficiently valued. Hamilton’s lack of influence in the technical direction of his car has led to speculation that he, too, may be open to future changes—though he is set to join Ferrari in 2025, replacing Carlos Sainz.
The rumor mill has started to churn with potential alternatives for Leclerc. Mercedes, who are expected to be active in the driver market due to the pending expiration of George Russell’s contract at the end of the current season, have emerged as a possible destination. Team principal Toto Wolff has reportedly expressed strong interest in making a significant move for Max Verstappen, but with the Dutchman’s future still unclear, Leclerc could be an appealing alternative.
While no formal discussions have been confirmed, the ongoing dissatisfaction of top-tier drivers like Leclerc and Hamilton underscores a shifting dynamic in Formula One. Both are seasoned competitors who now find themselves overshadowed by a younger generation of drivers who have capitalized on stronger team strategies and more competitive machinery.
If Ferrari cannot convince Leclerc of a clear and promising vision moving forward—especially as F1 prepares for a new era of regulations—his sensational departure may become more than just speculation.
