Charles Leclerc has indicated he would welcome Max Verstappen as a Ferrari teammate, despite their historically intense rivalry. The Monegasque driver confirmed his stance in a recent interview, acknowledging a significant shift in their relationship since their karting days. Leclerc currently partners Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, who joined the team for the 2025 season.
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing remains a prominent topic within Formula 1. He is contracted with the team until the conclusion of the 2028 season. However, his current deal includes a performance-based exit clause.
This clause activates if Verstappen is not positioned within the top two of the Drivers’ Championship standings by the summer break. Reports indicate this condition is currently met, with Verstappen holding sixth place after the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.
Red Bull has reportedly offered Verstappen an enhanced contract extension, potentially through the end of the 2029 season. This new proposal aims to remove the existing performance clause from his agreement.
Leclerc, who signed a new multi-year contract with Ferrari in June 2026, expressed his willingness to compete alongside the four-time world champion. His own Ferrari deal reportedly extends beyond 2030.
The Ferrari contract for Leclerc also contains a performance-related exit option. This clause could allow him to depart after the 2027 season if the team does not deliver a championship-contending car.
Leclerc reflected on his early interactions with Verstappen, stating, ‘Our relationship has matured over the years; I was convinced he was a bad person and he thought the same of me. But now our relationship has changed.’
The two drivers’ rivalry dates back to their karting careers, where they frequently competed against each other. Both made their international karting debut in the KF3 category in 2010.
Their junior careers were marked by numerous intense battles and occasional collisions on track. Verstappen, who started karting earlier, secured the KZ world title in 2013, while Leclerc won the KF2 European Championship in 2012.
Verstappen has previously outlined his conditions for any potential move to Ferrari. He stated that he would only consider joining the Scuderia if they could offer a package capable of winning championships, rather than solely for the prestige of the brand.
Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc’s current teammate, joined Ferrari for the 2025 season on a contract that runs until the end of 2027, with an option for 2028. Hamilton secured his first Ferrari victory at the Barcelona Grand Prix earlier this season.
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has linked him with teams such as Mercedes and McLaren. However, reports indicate that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has largely dismissed the possibility of Verstappen joining his team.
Verstappen recently participated in a GT3 race at the Nordschleife, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 to victory. This event generated further discussion in Italian media regarding a potential Formula 1 switch to the Maranello squad.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s contract and his expressed dissatisfaction with the current 2026 regulations continue to fuel driver market discussions for the 2027 season and beyond.
