Charles Leclerc eases fans’ worries: His ‘dream’ still to win with Ferrari

There were rumors that Mercedes are looking at Charles Leclerc as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton - but for his part, Leclerc feels 'fine' at Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc eases fans’ worries: His ‘dream’ still to win with Ferrari

Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc had a pretty disheartening 2022 season. He started strong, winning the season opener in Bahrain (and leading Carlos Sainz for a 1-2). He finished second in the next race and then won once again in Australia. But from Imola onwards, the Ferrari’s dream start began to unravel. Sainz, who had crashed out of the previous race, was taken out at the start. Leclerc, on the other hand, spun out while chasing Sergio Perez (who was P2). He eventually finished P6.

Miami was close, but he still lost out there to Max Verstappen. But the next three races were disastrous, both for him and the team. In Spain, he retired from the lead with an engine failure, when he was some 28 seconds in the lead. In Monaco, he started on the pole, but Ferrari got it wrong with their strategy, and he finished P4. In Azerbaijan, he and Sainz both retired with mechanical issues. Many felt Ferrari had dropped the ball in 2022, and wasted the potential of the F1-75.

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Leclerc made mistakes as well, of course, most notably in Imola and France. But it was plain to see that he didn’t lose the championship entirely because of his own shortcomings. After the summer break, Ferrari’s time was gone, and the car was rarely good enough to even compete with Red Bull during races. Towards the tail end of the season, rumors floated that the Mercedes were targeting him as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc’s current contract expires at the end of 2024.

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But at least currently, there are no negotiations on this front. Leclerc confirmed as much and assuaged the fans’ fears. Speaking to Leo Turrini, who represented Quotidiano.net, Leclerc said: “I know you are worried that I could go to Mercedes, but honestly there are no negotiations. I am fine in Ferrari. I feel the enthusiasm. I’m thrilled by the idea of crowning the dream, mine and everyone’s, of winning with the Red car.”

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Charles Leclerc’s contract extension currently ‘not a priority’ for Ferrari

Charles Leclerc (Images through IMAGO / HochZwei)
Charles Leclerc (Images through IMAGO / HochZwei)

Charles Leclerc was earlier questioned about his future by L’Equipe, but did not give a clear answer on his plans. He said: “There is still a long way to go until 2024 and some more time left as a soldier in the ranks of Ferrari. Being in this team has been my dream since I was a kid. My goal for now is to win with Ferrari. After that, we’ll see.” This sent alarm bells ringing in the minds of fans, and perhaps in Maranello as well.

Leclerc going to a rival like Mercedes would not be a good thing for Ferrari, at all. So there were reports that one of Frederic Vasseur’s targets in 2023 would be to extend Leclerc’s contract. This would ward off the threat of the Silver Arrows snatching him up. But when asked about it, the Frenchman had said that Leclerc’s contract extension was currently ‘not a priority’. But he did add that there’s still time to discuss it, and if both sides are happy, then they’ll obviously continue together.

For now, his, and the team’s focus will be entirely on the season ahead. It’s been nigh on 15 years since the Maranello last won the Constructors’ title; 16 years since their last drivers’ title. The Scuderia have made their intentions clear: Their target in 2023, and probably forever, is to win. Leclerc’s dream to ‘win’ with the Red car may finally come true this year.

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