Charles Leclerc has been warned that it is unlikely he would find a seat at a top team if he chose to abandon Ferrari amid a difficult season in Formula 1.
Leclerc has been the focus of discussions in recent weeks, with rumours that he could look to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes should the chance arise.
Mercedes appears to be the main opportunity for Leclerc if he were to depart Ferrari, as Red Bull’s line up appears locked up.
However, with Hamilton committing to Mercedes for the foreseeable future, the chance of a move looks increasingly unlikely for Leclerc.
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Former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill believes that neither Mercedes or Red Bull are keen on scrapping their current line ups to incorporate Leclerc, leaving the Monegasque “stuck at Ferrari.”
“He’s never really been in an extended campaign for the championship. There have always been moments that it’s been good and then they’ve faded, and he’s also had these blots on his copybook with qualifying, the banzai lap that goes wrong and stuff.
“When you look around at the top teams and who they have in their teams, they’re probably content with what they’ve got at the moment. I’m not sure that there’s anywhere else for him to go.
“Red Bull, I doubt it. Mercedes, I’m sure that Toto will be sticking with Lewis until Lewis decides he’s not going to race anymore, and I think Charles is the perfect fit for Ferrari. So I think he’s there for the long term, until they give him a car that he can go for a championship with.”
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For his part, Leclerc has stated that he is committed to his partnership with Ferrari, as the Monegasque knuckles down and hopes for a comeback with his team ahead of his home race.
“For now, I am fully focused on the project I am in today, which is Ferrari, and I fully trust and am confident for the future. Then we will see, but I am fully confident for the project of Ferrari,” Leclerc said.
With the Imola Grand Prix cancelled, drivers will hit the track next in Monaco, as the iconic circuit plays host to an exciting race around the tight circuit.