Formula 1 News: Now that he has mopped up Hamilton, Leclerc might need a divorce from Ferrari (Update)

(GMM) Charles Leclerc’s long-term position at Ferrari is once again being questioned in the Italian press following a podium near-miss at Monza.

Eurosport Italia pointed to the “unspecified” nature of Leclerc’s current multi-year contract, noting that his stay in red could depend on how Ferrari performs under the sweeping 2026 rules.

“His future could change if 2026 proves as disappointing as the current season. There are clauses that could alter the relationship,” the outlet claimed.

Although Leclerc continues to strike the right notes publicly, some of his remarks after Monza hinted at resignation.

“I didn’t have much faith in my ability to win a grand prix this year before arriving in Monza, and I don’t have it now, so I’d say this race hasn’t changed much,” the 27-year-old said.

It has been almost twelve months since his last grand prix victory.

“I’m not indifferent to Verstappen’s victories or those of Piastri and Norris,” Leclerc added. “But what I care about is bringing Ferrari back to the top, that’s my only obsession.”

The Monegasque also suggested his focus is already on the next rules reset: “My mind is on 2026.”

Speculation also surrounds who will sit alongside him in the longer term. Reports have linked Max Verstappen with Ferrari for 2027, ostensibly as Lewis Hamilton’s successor – or perhaps as Leclerc’s replacement.

Sky Deutschland pundit Ralf Schumacher said: “Somehow I have the feeling that this could be a great fit.”

At the same time, Ferrari legend Jean Alesi was critical of Hamilton for not offering Leclerc a slipstream in qualifying at Monza. Writing in Corriere della Sera, Alesi said: “I didn’t like Hamilton’s attitude.

“He really could have and perhaps should have helped Leclerc in qualifying on Saturday. Everyone expected such behavior from Lewis, without even being asked to do so, given his words, the course of the season, his first meeting with the Italian fans.

(GMM) A blistering editorial in Corriere della Sera has reignited speculation about Charles Leclerc’s long-term future at Ferrari.

Written by Giorgio Terruzzi – one of Italy’s most respected Formula 1 columnists and a long-time insider of Ferrari politics – the piece suggests that Leclerc may now need to “save himself” by leaving Maranello.

Terruzzi, who has covered the Scuderia for decades and is regarded as a barometer of Italian motorsport opinion, wrote bluntly after Monza: “Leclerc’s face resembles one we’ve seen too many times.

“His posture and tone of voice reveal a boy resigned in the face of a dull present, a future devoid of opportunities, worn down by a long love story that isn’t working.

“He hopes, he hopes, but he doesn’t really believe it.”

Editor’s Note: Having proven to the world he is a better and faster driver than Lewis Hamilton in identical machinery, Lelcerc has nothing left to prove at Ferrari. And it must irk him to no end that Hamilton is being paid a lot more money by Ferrari.

According to Terruzzi, the Monegasque’s career risks being defined by “chronic disappointment,” despite his talent belonging in direct rivalry with Max Verstappen.

He compared Leclerc’s plight to a failing marriage: “Treating Leclerc like a friend who, perhaps, might be better off going through a painful divorce.”

The column stopped short of naming potential destinations for the 27-year-old, who this year was joined at Ferrari by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Adding to the debate, Sky Italia’s Mara Sangiorgio – another leading Italian F1 voice – echoed similar concerns after the Italian GP.

“Charles Leclerc still believes,” said the Sky Italia presenter. “Time and again, he proves to be the one most in love with the Reds, bordering on tenderness.

“But even his confidence is starting to waver.”