“Not the right moment,” Frederic Vasseur discusses Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari contract extension amidst Mercedes rumors
Frederic Vasseur is positive about Charles Leclerc's contract extension.
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Charles Leclerc. Frederic Vasseur. (Images via ESPN and Sportskeeda.)
Ferrari had a disappointing start to the 2023 Formula 1 season. This led to speculations that their star driver Charles Leclerc might leave the team soon. However, team boss Frederic Vasseur dismissed those rumors. He is confident about Leclerc’s commitment to Ferrari. The Monegasque driver is in his fourth year of a five-year contract with the team. His journey so far was filled with ups and downs.
Leclerc’s 2022 season was the best in his F1 career. He won three races and finished runner-up in the championship standings. Ferrari’s 2023 season has begun on the back foot. Leclerc had two DNFs in the first three races of the season. This fueled rumors of his departure from Ferrari. But Vasseur remains certain. He told reporters in Baku that the discussions to extend the contract will begin this season.
Frederic Vasseur stated, “We will do it in the course of the season. He’s been under contract with us for more than one year now and we’ll have time to discuss it. I’m not scared at all and I think it’s not the right moment to do it.” It has been 15 years since Ferrari won a championship. Vasseur believes the team can win again with Leclerc.
Charles Leclerc is part of Ferrari’s “project”
Vasseur added, “He’s clearly part of the project. He’s not a spectator of this. He’s involved in the development of the team. He’s part of the development because he’s developing himself. He’s a performance contributor both on-track and out of the track. And as long as he will play this role we are on a good path.” The Ferrari team boss praised his star driver.
According to the Frenchman, every successful team has been built around a driver. Vasseur cited a few examples: Lewis Hamilton with Mercedes, Michael Schumacher with Ferrari, Fernando Alonso with Renault, and Sebastian Vettel with Red Bull. There were rumors of Leclerc moving to Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion has not extended his contract yet. But Leclerc denied the rumors.
Vasseur has nothing to worry about for now, as Charles Leclerc is focused and committed to Ferrari. It has always been his dream to win a championship with the team. While Leclerc has made his stance clear, it is up to Ferrari to give their driver a car capable of winning championships. Vasseur has been making changes within the team to help them move forward. It is only a matter of time before things turn around for them.
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Sugantha Meena
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