F1 2027 Driver Market Predicted to Be 'Very Hot' by Leclerc's Manager

The F1 driver market is gearing up for a significant shake-up in 2027, described as “very hot” by Nicolas Todt, manager to Charles Leclerc. This prediction comes after a period of relative stability for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, where many drivers are locked into multi-year contracts and teams adjust to new technical regulations.

Why it matters:

• The 2027 season is expected to be a pivotal moment for driver movements, as teams and drivers will have a clearer understanding of the competitive landscape under the new technical regulations introduced in 2026.
• This anticipation suggests a strategic waiting game by many drivers, assessing team performance and car development before committing to long-term deals.

The Details:

• Market Dynamics: Following a major grid shift for the 2025 season, the 2026 grid is set for minimal changes due to existing multi-year contracts and the introduction of fresh technical regulations.
• Strategic Waiting Game: Nicolas Todt, Charles Leclerc's long-time manager, indicates that many drivers are holding off on long-term commitments, waiting to evaluate which teams will have successfully adapted to the new 2026 rules.
  • Drivers will be observing team performance closely to determine if they should stay with their current teams or seek opportunities with better-performing outfits.
• Leclerc's Situation: Charles Leclerc, managed by Todt and under a long-term agreement with Ferrari, joined the Scuderia in 2019 but is still seeking his first genuine championship opportunity.
• New Regulations Hope: Todt, son of former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt, expresses optimism that the new regulations will finally provide Leclerc with a championship-contending car.
  • He emphasized Leclerc's talent, placing him among the best of his generation alongside Max Verstappen, but noted the need for a winning car to secure a title.

What's next:

• The 2026 season will be crucial for establishing a new pecking order under the revised technical regulations.
• Todt's comments underscore the high stakes for both drivers and teams as they navigate this transitional period, with 2027 poised to be a dramatic year for contract negotiations and team line-up changes. If Ferrari can deliver a championship-caliber car under the new rules, Leclerc's long wait for a title fight could finally end.