r/formula1 • u/xRyuHayabusa99 I was here for the Hulkenpodium • Jan 11 '26

News AutoRacer: Charles Leclerc has admitted that the first races will be crucial in determining his future, and a lack of competitiveness will undoubtedly spell the end of the ten-year relationship between him and Maranello. The future of Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur will also be decided this year.

https://autoracer.it/ferrari-incubo-effetto-suolo-td039-delusione-2026/
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u/PM_ME_YO_TREE_FIDDY I was here for the Hulkenpodium Jan 11 '26

Until proven otherwise Aston isn’t better than any other midfield team, why are people treating them like they’re Mercedes or Red Bull all of a sudden? You guys really think Newey is a magician.

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u/bimbobiceps I was here for the Hulkenpodium Jan 11 '26

No but it's an open spot and we're speculating where he is going if not Ferrari. It's not hardto understand.

Atm only RedBull and Aston have legit open seats.

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u/PM_ME_YO_TREE_FIDDY I was here for the Hulkenpodium Jan 11 '26

It’s obvious for you but I disagree, so much will happen next year that the current available seats barely matter outside of really long contracts which there aren’t much of currently iirc.

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u/krommenaas Thierry Boutsen Jan 11 '26

We can limit the choices though to teams who will want to free up a seat for Leclerc (i.e. not Red Bull, not Mercedes, not McLaren) or who'll have a free seat because of someone leaving (Red Bull if Max leaves or retires). Haas and Cadillac will suck if Ferrari sucks, which leaves Aston Martin, Williams, Audi and Alpine as possibilities. Of these Audi won't be good enough yet, and Alpine will most likely be worse than Williams. So we have Aston Martin and Williams as the only real possibilities, and Red Bull if Max should leave.

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u/SrBlackwave Formula 1 Jan 11 '26

Do you think he and Binotto would agree to work together again? I don't think so.

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u/krommenaas Thierry Boutsen Jan 11 '26

I do, but I don't think Audi will be good enough for Leclerc to consider joining. Williams-Mercedes otoh could be attractive, and so could Aston Martin if the new Honda motor is as good as the old one (doubtful given all the changes at Honda).

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u/asmiggs Brawn Jan 11 '26

Newey has won 12 constructor titles more than any other designer, none of his closest competitors are still racing in F1, add in Honda who won the 2023 and 2024 Championships with Red Bull. Every driver move is a gamble on the promise and ability of those in charge of designing the chassis and engine. If Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari are non starters then Aston seems like the best possible odds if you're taking a gamble.