Charles Leclerc admits to not starting contract talks with Ferrari following Lewis Hamilton rumors, says he is ‘not happy’ with the team

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton could well end up switching teams, as rumors continue to circulate

Charles Leclerc admits to not starting contract talks with Ferrari following Lewis Hamilton rumors, says he is ‘not happy’ with the team

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton via The Guardian

Charles Leclerc has endured a calamitous start to the season with Ferrari. Results have been meager at best, coupled with inconsistency and crashes. This has been a recurring theme for the likes of the Monegasque and Ferrari recently. The situation has fueled rumors of a possible exit, with frustrations peaking and his contract ending.

Speaking to the media, Leclerc has addressed his future with the Italian giants. He said, “No negotiations have been started. Ask Fred when he plans to start discussions. I’m fully focused on the track. I love Ferrari. I’m not happy with the current situation. Let‘s face it. Ferrari has to be on top. I hope we can do it together.”

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According to Leclerc, the goals set for the engineers at Ferrari last year were not adequate. In contrast, Red Bull has made significant progress during 2023, surpassing Ferrari in terms of improvement, particularly in race pace. Leclerc believes this disparity is more attributed to an issue in philosophy rather than developmental strategies.

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Leclerc will be eager to turn his and his team’s fortunes around in his home race at the upcoming Monaco GP. Given the short straights, Red Bull cannot exploit their superior DRS advantage, which presents a brilliant opportunity for Leclerc to take the victory potentially.

Related: Guenther Steiner admits Ferrari are holding back Haas from copying Red Bull’s concept

Charles Leclerc’s departure rumors coincide with that of Lewis Hamilton’s

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc via Daily Express
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton via Irish Mirror

Leclerc is highly regarded for his talent and potential as a driver. However, there is a prevailing notion that Ferrari has not maximized his abilities to their fullest extent. This has led to speculation about Leclerc potentially becoming a top candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, particularly as Leclerc’s contract with Ferrari is set to expire at the end of the season. These rumors gain momentum with each passing race weekend in which Hamilton’s contract renewal remains uncertain, further fueled by Leclerc’s disappointments.

Lewis Hamilton was reportedly presented a sensational by Ferrari to get the seven-time world champion to defect to them from the Silver Arrows. The lucrative blockbuster deal is valued at 40 million pounds, presenting an alluring proposition for Hamilton. As his contract with Mercedes is set to expire in 2024, this offer provides an opportunity for him to explore new possibilities and potentially secure a substantial financial agreement.

Both drivers have pledged their loyalty to their respective teams publicly on multiple occasions. However, F1 is a sport as unpredictable as they come, and a shocking twist could see Leclerc and Hamilton make a switch over the summer, with both trying to fulfill their championship endeavors at rival teams.

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