Charles Leclerc Reiterates His Love for Ferrari Amidst Soaring Criticism of His Performance in 2023

Charles Leclerc never shies away from addressing his love for Ferrari. The Monegasque has often claimed that he wishes to become an F1 champion wearing Ferrari colors. However, the driver has been frustrated with his team’s lack of ambition to achieve the goal.

Last year, Leclerc and Ferrari blew their title hopes after a great start. With an unstoppable Max Verstappen leading the 2023 campaign, the Dutchman and Red Bull have all but sealed the championship.

The Monegasque racer has also been criticized for his repeated mistakes and for not being able to replicate his qualifying performance during the race. Despite that, he remains patient with the Maranello-based outfit, who struggle with strategy errors and reliability issues.

Leclerc underlines trust in Ferrari despite troubles

Charles Leclerc has often backed his team despite their shortfalls. The Monegasque has never publically criticized Ferrari for its mistakes. On the days when he manages to secure a win or podium, he has proudly pointed to the prancing horse on his racing overalls.

In a recent interview, the driver was asked if he still has hopes to win the title with Ferrari. To which the driver answered with affirmation. In a video tweeted by ‘leclercsletters’ the driver answered, “I don’t think driving for Ferrari is something wasted.”

Leclerc added, “I’m proud to be a Ferrari driver. I want to win the championship, I want to win races, but I want to do it in red. Ferrari did it all for me. I am very lucky to be in red.”

 

“I don’t think driving for Ferrari is something wasted, ever. I’m proud to be a Ferrari driver. I want to win the championship, I want to win races, but I want to do it in red. Ferrari did it all for me. I am very lucky to be in red.” pic.twitter.com/dr7SYGCj6C

— clara (@leclercsletters) May 16, 2023

Recently, BBC’s F1 reporter Andrew Benson claimed Ferrari is wasting the Monegasque’s potential. He compared the 5-GP winner could become another Fernando Alonso barring the Spaniard’s championship successes.

Benson said on the Chequered Flag podcast, “He’s doing great things in a car that’s not up to his ability. There are no prospects, he can see, of them getting onto a level playing field with Red Bull. I think that’s probably the root of the disappointment that you’re seeing in him at the moment.”

Charles Leclerc rubbishes Mercedes rumors

Last season, Charles Leclerc remained a frontrunner in the title race alongside Max Verstappen. However, a series of mistakes from the driver and Ferrari ended his title hopes halfway through the season.

In 2023, Leclerc suffered one of his worst starts in F1. The Monegasque has suffered 2 retirements and only a single podium so far, as he stands 7th in the standings after 5 races. While last year, Leclerc was leading the championship ahead of the 6th round, having secured 2 wins.

 

“It’s the worst ever start of the season.” Charles Leclerc is 62 points worse off compared to this time last season 🫣#F1 pic.twitter.com/rsH0JaXWG9

— Crash F1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) April 5, 2023

In the meantime, rumors emerged that the driver was unhappy with Ferrari. The Monegasque was eyeing a move to Mercedes, replacing Lewis Hamilton. However, the driver has denied any talks with the silver arrows.

He also told F1 that he remains committed to the Italian team until his contract ends in 2024. Leclerc said, “I am fully confident about the project of Ferrari. I am fully committed to Ferrari and I love Ferrari. It has always been a dream to be in this team, and my main priority is to win a world championship with this team.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff agreed that the 5-GP winner remains focused on his current team. However, the Austrian praised his skills and called him a long-term target for his team. If Ferrari fails to deliver a title-winning car, then, they could lose their golden-eyed boy to their rivals.