Charles Leclerc Targeted in Bold Move by Ferrari Rival Amid Italian Turmoil

Ferrari star Charles Leclerc has been linked with a surprise switch away from Maranello after F1 legend Mario Andretti revealed he would “take him to Cadillac straight away” if the chance ever arose.



Andretti, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, praised Leclerc’s natural talent and hinted that the Monegasque driver could be the ideal figurehead for Cadillac, who will join F1 as the 11th team on the grid from next year.



Leclerc is still searching for his first win of the 2025 season as he currently sits fifth in the standings. His next opportunity will come at the United States Grand Prix this weekend — find the best odds on Leclerc’s chance of winning on the  top 20 UK betting sites .



Andretti’s Admiration for Leclerc



“Verstappen is very strong,” Andretti told the Italian newspaper. “I like Piastri for his grit, but it seems to me that at McLaren, for some reason – I don’t know why – they favour Lando Norris.



“I’m a big fan of Leclerc; if he really wanted to change teams one day, I’d take him to Cadillac straight away. Ferrari is Ferrari, and sooner or later it will come back. Always.”



It’s high praise from one of the sport’s most respected voices, and his words come at an intriguing time. Ferrari continues to chase Red Bull and McLaren for consistent podium finishes, while Leclerc’s frustration has occasionally been visible on team radio.



Could Cadillac Really Tempt Leclerc?



The Cadillac project has been one of the biggest stories in modern Formula 1. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have been announced as the driver line-up for Cadillac’s debut season, both of whom have signed multiyear contracts.



But Andretti has made clear the team’s intentions to challenge high up on the grid and his open plea to Leclerc suggests Bottas and Perez could easily be replaced.



Leclerc’s current contract with Ferrari reportedly runs until 2029, yet, in F1, few deals are truly iron-clad.



There will be a high level of anticipation around Cadillac’s arrival next season and drivers up and down the grid will be keen to watch their progress. If they hit the ground running, expect big names to be linked with switches.



What’s Next for Leclerc and Ferrari?



Ferrari’s performance this season has been solid but inconsistent, with Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sharing a handful of podiums but struggling to match the pace of Red Bull and McLaren on a regular basis. The upcoming races in Austin, Mexico City, and Sao Paulo will be pivotal if Leclerc hopes to end his winless run and close the points gap before winter testing.



Andretti’s comments may have been light-hearted, but they underline the esteem Leclerc commands throughout the paddock. Whether he stays loyal to Ferrari or one day fronts a new manufacturer entry, his name will remain central to any conversation about F1’s next generation of title contenders.



For now, all eyes turn to Austin — and perhaps, to the long-term future that could see Leclerc leading a bold new chapter of Formula 1 history.
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