Nicolas Todt sees ‘very hot’ F1 driver market for 2027

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As Formula 1 gears up for a transformative 2026 season with sweeping regulatory changes, renowned driver manager Nicolas Todt, a long-time advisor to Charles Leclerc, is predicting a "very hot" driver market in 2027, driven by the uncertainties and opportunities arising from the new regulations.

Next season will introduce substantial changes to F1, including revised power unit configurations and aerodynamic adjustments.

These modifications are expected to level the playing field, potentially disrupting the current hierarchy of teams. Todt emphasizes that the performance of teams under these new regulations will be pivotal in shaping the 2027 driver market.

"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,'" Todt told The Staits Times in Singapore last weekend.

Todt’s view reflects a broader vision in the paddock, where drivers and teams alike will closely monitor the outcomes of the 2026 season to inform their strategies for 2027.

Leclerc's Future: A Case Study in Market Dynamics

Leclerc's situation exemplifies the complexities drivers face in the evolving market. Despite a contract with Ferrari through 2029, the Monegasque’s prospects will be once again closely tied to the Italian outfit’s performance in 2026.

While Todt acknowledges Leclerc's exceptional talent, the 47-year-old son of former FIA president Jean Todt also underscores the importance of competitive machinery in securing championships.

"He is one of the best talents of his generation, with Max and a few others," the Frenchman remarked.

"He’s not a baby anymore because he has done a lot of seasons with Ferrari and of course, I think that we still need to have a winning car.

"Today, we have a good car, but not enough to win the title... We hope it will happen and we hope next year Ferrari will have a very good car with the new regulations."

As Ferrari and its rivals chase a winning edge under the 2026 regulations, Todt’s prediction of a sizzling driver market signals a thrilling scramble, with the sport’s top drivers poised to reshape the grid in a frenzy of ambition and opportunity.

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Michael Delaney