Rule changes to spark 'very hot' Fl driver market: Todt

Formula One is heading into a new era in 2026, with sweeping changes that could shake up the grid.

- Kimberly Kwek Sports Correspondent

The key question remains how major revisions to the cars will affect each team, something that Nicolas Todt, manager of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, is closely monitoring.

The 47-year-old Frenchman, founder of motor sport driver management company All Road Management, believes the upcoming regulation changes could trigger substantial driver movement ahead of the 2027 season.

"A lot of drivers are waiting to see how well each team will have worked, and how good their car will be to say 'I want to stay in my team' or 'I want to go to another team because they are doing a better job?" he told The Sunday Times in an interview on the sidelines of the Oct 3-5 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

Noting that most seats for next season have already been secured and with some contracts expiring at the end of 2026, Todt expects a "very hot" driver market for 2027.

The regulation changes, which include the downsizing of the current cars to promote closer racing, could also be pivotal for Leclerc.

There have been whispers that other teams have shown interest in the Monegasque, but when asked about this, Todt remained tightlipped.