Charles Leclerc asserts he will do ‘everything possible’ to become world champion amid Mercedes switch rumors
Charles Leclerc's current contract with Ferrari expires at the end of 2024, and there have been many rumors connecting him to Mercedes.
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Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc’s current contract at Ferrari expires at the end of 2024. When it was signed, back in 2019, it was the longest contract ever for a Ferrari driver, ever. However, lately, things have not been going so well. The package is not competitive, and further, the team has made numerous strategic errors and general missteps. These were a large part of what cost the Monegasque his shot at the title in 2022. Rumors suggesting that he is not happy at Maranello have been rife.
There have been rumors since the end of last season, and even before, that he is seeking a move to Mercedes. Or that the Silver Arrows wanting him as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. But both parties have denied that Leclerc is in contention for a Mercedes seat, at least next year. He still has a contract, besides, Mercedes want to extend with Hamilton. Leclerc’s dream, too, is to win with Ferrari.
2023 has not been so good either. The SF-23, simply put, is not a championship contender. Nor does it look like it can be one, anytime soon. Leclerc, who has already lost years of his career first in a midfield car, and then due to Ferrari’s struggle-filled 2022, would obviously not be pleased with his situation. But he hopes he can continue his stay at Ferrari. Speaking to Rai TG1, the Monegasque said: “Do I still see myself in Maranello in the future? I hope it can be like this.”
Charles Leclerc is ‘very happy’ at Ferrari, but…
Before he was a Formula 1 driver, Charles Leclerc was a Ferrari fan. Being admitted to their academy in 2016 must’ve been a dream come true. He reiterated this: “I’ve always dreamed of becoming a Ferrari driver and I’ve managed to make this dream come true. I’m very happy to be here.” Perhaps the most joyous moment of his career yet came in his first season with them. That is, his fantastic win at the Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s first victory there since Fernando Alonso’s triumph in 2010.
However, he asserted one thing: “But now my goal is to win at least a world title, indeed as much as possible. I will try to do everything possible to reach this target in a short time.” This can be interpreted as a warning: ‘Everything possible’. Of course, he may yet win a title at Ferrari, though it looks unlikely in 2023. If it doesn’t work out in 2024 either, then he may just look to move away. He has never completely ruled out a move to Mercedes, or somewhere else.
One thing Ferrari have going for them is Leclerc’s good relationship with team principal Frederic Vasseur. However, even so, he obviously won’t wait forever to win a world title. If the Maranello outfit continues to disappoint, they may have to watch him move to a rival. That would be very embarrassing, as Ferrari are the most iconic and successful Formula 1 team of all time. To see a driver move away due to bad results certainly won’t sit well. But, of course, he may yet win with them.
In case you missed it:
- Charles Leclerc urged to give Mercedes the cold shoulder and join Red Bull if he leaves Ferrari
- Damon Hill believes Charles Leclerc is helplessly ‘stuck’ at Ferrari amid growing speculation of a Mercedes move
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Aniket Tripathi
(1002 Articles Published)