Ferrari star Charles Leclerc has revealed that himself and the Italians aren’t currently in discussion yet over a new deal for the Monegasque driver, despite the fact his contract ends at the end of next year.
A remarkable number of drivers all have their contracts end at the conclusion of the 2024 season, including, Leclerc, his team-mate Carlos Sainz, Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez and Mercedes’ George Russell.
Out of those four, only Russell’s and Leclerc’s seats are presumably safe; however, the issue with Leclerc is whether he’ll want to remain at Ferrari or not.
There is no doubt that he “loves the red colour” and is a proud member of the Scuderia, but the 25-year-old wants to be fighting for championships.
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If the Maranello-based team can offer Leclerc a package that can fight for wins consistently, then there is really no reason for him to leave, unless strategic errors are made once again.
Ferrari need to convince Leclerc to stay by giving him a remarkable car, something he’d likely be able to get at Mercedes.
Former Ferrari team manager Peter Windsor has previously predicted that Mercedes could attempt to poach Leclerc should Lewis Hamilton retire at the end of next year, suggesting that Leclerc has options at the top other than just at Ferrari.
If Leclerc were to leave, then Ferrari would have the task once again of finding a prodigy who they believe can take them to glory, something the Monegasque has long been tipped to do.
Leclerc is seemingly Ferrari’s current golden child and has been since he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016.
There is no doubt that he is capable of fighting for the title, as he proved last season by being the only driver capable of consistently applying pressure on Max Verstappen.
2023 looks like his best chance yet of winning a title and Ferrari’s first since 2008, with the Scuderia having reportedly had an excellent off-season.
If Ferrari are right in the mix in the forthcoming season then it could be enough to tempt Leclerc into staying for another two years or so, something which would see him enter the new engine regulations with the Italians.
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For the time being, though, “no talks” are taking place and he isn’t ready yet to discuss his future, given that he’s unsure over “what the future holds”.
“No, there are no talks ongoing now, at least,” Leclerc told Sky Sports.
“I love the red colour. I love Ferrari. I am happy here. But we’ll see what the future holds. It is very early to speak about this. My contract ends [at the end of 2024].”