Charles Leclerc has been with Ferrari since 2019. But much before that, he has been touted to win a championship. However, since then, he hasn’t had a serious shot at the title, except in 2022, where Max Verstappen managed to dominate over him across the year.
Even in 2023, he is unlikely to vie for the championship, as Ferrari has only amassed 26 points in three races so far. Amidst all this, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has even claimed that Leclerc could trade himself for Mercedes if Lewis Hamilton decides to retire.
Leclerc’s contract runs out in 2024, and to boost his championship chances, it’s not a bad choice to choose Mercedes. However, Leclerc’s love surfaces after he clings on to a gift given by a fan, which could be enough to wash away all the rumors.
Leclerc making music while his career falls apart with Ferrari : pic.twitter.com/TfC9VW3HW0
— Buc Nasty 🏁 (@premystic) April 24, 2023
Ferrari fans are grateful to the woman who gave Charles Leclerc a bracelet
Leclerc is easily among the most liked drivers on the grid. The biggest reason for that affection is his association with Ferrari. And in one of the instances, a fan gave him a handmade Ferrari bracelet.
The Monegasque race driver back then gracefully accepted the gift. On top of that, he appears to wear it every day. Even in his social media announcement, where he revealed his professional music debut, he was spotted wearing that bracelet.
So, while he is touted to ditch his boyhood team and join Mercedes, fans are grateful to the woman who gifted him the bracelet, giving him an opportunity to show his loyalty to Ferrari every day.
the girl who gave Charles the “Forza Ferrari” sign” I’m eternally grateful to you, you did the community a great service! pic.twitter.com/L8afwfxDym
— lara (@fuzzybvn) April 24, 2023
Is Lando Norris a fitting replacement?
No doubt Leclerc is heavily bonded to Ferrari. However, F1 doesn’t work on emotions, and beyond his love for Ferrari, he would have a deeper desire to be a world champion.
But Ferrari has failed to give him a car that could win him a championship. Even in 2022, while the car was fast, it had several reliability issues, and Ferrari had some questionable strategies. All the demerits combined, Leclerc had no chance against Max Verstappen in mighty RB18.
While Leclerc is rumored to depart from Maranello, it seems Ferrari has a replacement in mind. According to recent reports, McLaren star Lando Norris has been pitched as a suitable replacement for his 25-year-old contemporary.
