Ferrari Struggle ‘Different’ In 2023 – Charles Leclerc

1 Gp Australia F1/2023 Giovedi’ 30/03/2023 Charles Leclerc
1 Gp Australia F1/2023 Giovedi’ 30/03/2023 Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc says it’s “too early” to think about extending his Ferrari deal beyond 2024.

At Baku last weekend, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff stridently denied reports that talks about poaching the 25-year-old Monegasque have already begun.

Indeed, some believe the Leclerc rumours were more about enticing Lewis Hamilton to sign a new deal.

I hope we can make our package a winning package and have something that can bring him an eighth world title,” Wolff said. “We have no doubt that he is motivated enough to achieve it.

“We have a great relationship and together with the team he has been a solid pillar for the last ten years, so we are well placed.”

But at the same time, Wolff says Leclerc will remain on the “radar”.

“I think he is 100 percent faithful to his contract with Ferrari,” said the Austrian. “Just as we 100 percent intend to put pen to paper with Lewis.

“You should always have a guy like Charles on your radar, but not in the short or medium term,” Wolff added.

And while 38-year-old Hamilton’s contract extension talks are painfully delayed, the seven time world champion is also consistently saying he wants to sign eventually.

“I’m thinking long term,” he said. “I don’t want to stay here for another year. I want to stay longer.”

In the end, that could actually be the stumbling block – Wolff may only offer Hamilton a new one-year deal so that he is free to sign Leclerc for 2025.

Leclerc is openly admitting that he is concerned about Ferrari’s current situation.

“It’s not that I’m tired, I’m aware of how lucky I am to be at Ferrari,” he insists. “I’m happy.

“But in the same way, I want to win and I’m not happy with the performance of the last few years. It has not been consistent.

“In 2020 and 2021, the situation was clear because of what we were missing. But now it is different. We have not taken the step we expected.

“We have the explanations, but recovering will be something else.”

Also obvious is that, with his first drivers’ title yet to come, the pressure at Ferrari is also uniquely high.

“It’s incredible at times,” Leclerc says, “because a lot of people follow you and there are a lot of emotions. But it’s also difficult to manage bad situations.

“But this is Ferrari and I would not change it,” he told the Spanish sports daily AS.

But when asked if he wants guarantees of success, or a string of certain results, in order to kick off talks about a new Ferrari contract beyond 2024, Leclerc insisted: “No, the trust is there.

“But it has to go both ways. If we’re both happy to continue, it will happen. But it’s too early to talk about that.”

More in News

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 27: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed qualifier Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team talk in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 27, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305270377 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Snatches Dramatic Monaco Pole

Max Verstappen has snatched a last-gasp pole position at the ...
2023 Monaco Grand Prix, Friday - Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton Desperate For Strong Monaco Result

Toto Wolff has insisted he would dread the seven-time world ...
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 26: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305261052 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Fights Back, Fastest In Monaco FP2

Max Verstappen set the pace in the second free practice ...
Ferrari's Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Ferrari’s Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Friday at the Monaco Grand Prix saw Scuderia Ferrari drivers ...
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Amr23

Fernando Alonso Off To A Fast Start In Monaco

Fernando Alonso got off to a fast start in Monaco, ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle