F1 Team Could 'Release Driver Early to Sign Charles Leclerc' in Blow to Ferrari

A Formula 1 team could reportedly release one of their drivers in order to sign Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc, 28, endured a tough 2025 campaign as Ferrari failed to produce a car capable of challenging for race wins.

Despite driving the problematic SF-25, Leclerc did manage to score seven podium finishes.

The Monegasque ended the season in fifth place, 86 points ahead of teammate and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Looking ahead, Leclerc has been linked with a move away from Ferrari.

Previously, the 28-year-old has been linked with Mercedes, with Toto Wolff said to be a big fan.

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Charles Leclerc. Image: Getty

Now, according to Italian news outlet AutoMoto, Leclerc's 'first option' on the table would be Aston Martin, should he look to engineer an exit away from Maranello.

It has been reported that Leclerc has a release clause in his contract, which could be triggered at the end of 2026, depending on the team's performance.

In terms of Aston Martin, they could be on the lookout for new drivers with Fernando Alonso's contract set to expire at the end of the year.

Although Lance Stroll is believed to have a multi-year deal, it has been claimed that the Canadian 'could be released earlier' if Leclerc becomes 'a legitimate option for the Silverstone-based team'.

Charles Leclerc has been linked with a move away. Image: Getty

What has Charles Leclerc said about Ferrari's chances in 2026?

Speaking after last month's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Leclerc was asked whether he believes Ferrari could deliver a good car for the new campaign.

He said: "I do, and next year will be a crucial year.

"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, so I really hope that we will start this new era on the right foot, because it’s important for the four years after."

Leclerc added: "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."