Former Ferrari mechatronics engineer Francesco Cigarini believes it’s “possible” that Charles Leclerc could leave Ferrari if he no longer has a race-winning car, though moving to another team would still be a gamble.
Why it matters
Leclerc is undoubtedly one of the most talented drivers of his generation, alongside Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lando Norris. Yet, he has achieved far less than his potential, often due to Ferrari's struggles to provide a championship-caliber car since 2008.
The Big Picture
In his seven and a half years in Formula 1, Leclerc has secured “only” eight wins. A concerning statistic is his conversion rate from pole positions to victories: just 5 wins from 27 pole starts, placing him among drivers with the lowest pole-to-win ratios (below 20%). Even this year, Ferrari has failed to provide a car capable of challenging McLaren.
Cigarini's Perspective
Cigarini suggests that while Leclerc has always expressed his love for Ferrari, a split isn't out of the question if winning cars aren't delivered. He notes a driver's dilemma:
- The Gamble: "What if I change teams and in a year or two Ferrari comes up with the car I need to win the World Championship?"
- The Connection: If the "old connection isn’t there anymore," leaving becomes a consideration. "At some point, though, I made my choice, so he could make the same decision [to leave]."
What's Next
Cigarini doesn't see a departure as likely for now, as Leclerc maintains a strong ambition to bring the title to Ferrari. However, the underlying question of consistently competitive machinery remains critical for his long-term future with the Scuderia.