Charles Leclerc has not had the best of starts to the 2023 Formula 1 season. His last race win came last year in Austria. Amidst this difficult time for Leclerc, rumors were floating around the paddock that Ferrari might make a $50,000,000 bid to recruit Lewis Hamilton. However, Leclerc has made it very clear that he does not feel threatened by the prospect of having Hamilton as his teammate.
Ever since the start of the 2023 season, Ferrari has struggled to provide the Monegasque with a car that can challenge for victories. This is quite evident because Leclerc has only managed to stand on the podium once in six races. That is also the only podium Ferrari has achieved this season.
Leading up to the Monaco Grand Prix, it was reported by The Daily Mail that Ferrari is planning to pay $50,000,000 to try to get Hamilton to team up with Leclerc. Even though Hamilton himself has quashed the rumors, the speculations haven’t died down yet. Some F1 experts still believe that a move is possible if Ferrari agrees to pay a more lucrative sum to the Briton.
Charles Leclerc is not scared of teaming up with Lewis Hamilton
Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Charles Leclerc sat down for an interview with Italy 24. He was asked if he felt threatened by the idea that he might have to team up with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The answer was a clear no from Leclerc.
The Monegasque said, “These are market rumors. But, if he came, I wouldn’t feel questioned, on the contrary. Maybe it would also be an opportunity to show what I’m really worth. So cohabitation wouldn’t be viewed badly by me”
Perguntaram a Leclerc sobre os rumores de ter novo parceiro na Ferrari e ele olhou logo para Hamilton 👀🤣 pic.twitter.com/fhO5KLmiYr
— B24 (@B24PT) May 25, 2023
Leclerc also clarified that he has faith in his current teammate Carlos Sainz and isn’t wishing for a new teammate. He explained that Sainz is very much involved in Ferrari’s long-term plans. “Hamilton? That would be an extra incentive. But with Sainz, we are aligned for the future,” said Leclerc
Charles Leclerc wants to fight for wins again.
During the interview, Leclerc made it clear that he isn’t interested in getting podiums. He wants to fight for victories, but unfortunately, Ferrari lacks the pace to do so. Leclerc explained that he wanted to help Ferrari in any way he could so that the Maranello outfit could return to the podium’s top step.
“As I’ve often said and demonstrated, I just want to win. Second, third or fourth place doesn’t interest me. I’ll do everything to get back on the top step of the podium as soon as possible, with Ferrari,” said Leclerc. Therefore it is very evident that Leclerc has long-term plans with Ferrari. Now it is up to the hierarchy at Maranello to provide him with a car that can challenge for victories regularly.
