Ferrari accused of ‘contradiction’ amid Charles Leclerc Mercedes rumours

Ferrari have faced criticism after they dropped from being a contender for the 2022 title to potentially dropping behind Aston Martin and Mercedes this year.

Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok has blasted Ferrari amid their ongoing challenges on the race track.

Throughout the 2023 season, Ferrari have struggled to fight the Red Bull duo of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, with the title-leaders holding a clear performance advantage over the Italian outfit.

Red Bull have won every race of the season so far, even defeating the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc when he started on pole in the first sprint race of the season around Azerbaijan and in the main grand prix.

Despite Leclerc starting off from a strong position, Perez managed to glide past him with ease, growing a strong enough lead in Baku to finish P1.

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Even after suffering severe damage to the side of his car, Verstappen also managed to pressure Leclerc right to the finish line, although he failed to overtake the Monegasque.

“Ferrari are a contradiction, aren’t they?” Chandhok told Sky Sports F1. 

“Statistically, they are the sport’s biggest marque, most successful, but in other ways, they are the biggest underperformers.

“They have got great resources, great budget, great drivers but at the end of this year it will be 15 years since they last won a Constructors’ Championship which equals their longest drought from ’83 to ’99.

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“There are some big issues to resolve there.”

The challenges at Ferrari have raised bigger concerns for the Italian team, with rumours floating about that Leclerc might abandon the team over its failure to compete.

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Leclerc has been linked with a move to Mercedes in Italian media reports, although he has denied that there are any talks between himself and Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff.

“No, there is nothing at the moment,” Leclerc said. 

“I’m focused on the project I’m currently working on.

“I didn’t have any conversations with Toto Wolff.”