Mario Andretti wants Charles Leclerc to join Cadillac amid Ferrari uncertainty

Formula 1 legend Mario Andretti has expressed admiration for Charles Leclerc and said he would welcome the Ferrari driver to Cadillac’s F1 team “straight away” if he ever decided to leave Maranello, according to comments reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Leclerc, currently contracted with Ferrari until 2029, has been linked to several major teams as uncertainty grows around Ferrari’s competitiveness. Despite showing flashes of brilliance this season — including a shock pole position in Budapest and five podiums — the Monegasque driver’s frustration has reportedly deepened due to ongoing internal struggles and performance issues within the Scuderia.

Ferrari has failed to secure a race victory in 2025, with growing tensions between technical departments and drivers Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Sources suggest the team’s inability to deliver on aerodynamic upgrades has pushed Leclerc to consider alternatives once the new 2026 regulations arrive.

In his interview, Andretti acknowledged Leclerc’s talent and discussed current F1 dynamics, saying: “Verstappen is very strong. I like Piastri for his grit, but at McLaren, they seem to favor 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.”

Reports indicate that Leclerc’s representatives have already held informal talks with Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Red Bull, with Audi and McLaren also rumored to be monitoring his situation for potential 2027 moves.

Cadillac, which recently signed Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas to long-term deals, could emerge as an option should either veteran retire post-2026. Andretti’s comments highlight the team’s ambition to attract elite talent as it continues establishing itself in Formula 1’s next era.