Charles Leclerc prepares for another challenge after a troubled start to the 2023 season. He has suffered his worst start to a season having retired from 2 of the first 3 races. The 5-time GP winner has only secured 6 points in the first 3 races of the season.
Meanwhile, Ferrari has fallen back on the development battle with Red Bull. Their 2022 title rivals have proven to be much faster than the rest of the grid. These raised questions about whether the Ferrari driver was unhappy with his team.
Charles Leclerc no talks between Mercedes and him
A few days back, Italian F1 journalist Leo Turrini reported Charles Leclerc was in talks with Mercedes. If Lewis Hamilton decides to retire or leave Mercedes at the end of 2023, the Silver Arrows would be keen on signing the Monegasque.
However, the Monegasque denied any such talks between him and Mercedes. When Motorsport Italia asked about the reports, he simply answered, “No, not yet. Not for the moment.”
The 5-time GP winner claims he remains loyal to his team, who are navigating tough times at the moment. He added, “For now, I am fully focused on the project I am today which is Ferrari. I fully trust and I’m confident for the future, then we’ll see.”
Should Charles Leclerc score one point or less in Baku, 2023 will mark the worst start to a Formula 1 season in his career.
This year is already the poorest beginning to a season with Ferrari for him.#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/W3Wlvahcon
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) April 3, 2023
The Monegasque graduated from Ferrari’s driver academy. Apart from being a racer, he is also a big fan of the team. He replied, “I’m fully committed to Ferrari. And I love Ferrari. It’s always been a dream for me to be in this team.”
While the title slipped from his hands in 2022, Leclerc remains focused on ending Maranello’s 17-year wait for an F1 champion. Nevertheless, unless Lewis Hamilton’s situation at Mercedes is unclear, anything can happen.
Will Hamilton continue with Mercedes?
Charles Leclerc has pledged his loyalty to Ferrari. However, it will depend on how Mercedes handles Lewis Hamilton’s contract negotiations. The Briton’s deal with his current team ends at the end of the season.
Hamilton has not enjoyed his last two seasons with Mercedes. In 2022, Brtion endured a winless campaign. While the Briton has shown his frustration over the team’s inability to match Red Bull’s speed. He even stated his disappointment with the W14 and claimed he felt no connection with the car.
Can you imagine Lewis Hamilton in red? 👀 #Hamilton #Ferrari #Formula1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/X5RcA1ud20
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) April 20, 2023
The 7-time champion is eager to win his elusive 8th title before retiring. However, with Mercedes struggling to match Red Bull, the Briton might consider switching to another team or retiring from F1.
Even Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has allowed the Briton to move if he cannot win the title with Mercedes. With Red Bull clearly not an option, Ferrari remains his best option to contend for the title. Hence, Leclerc’s situation will remain under speculation unless Hamilton and Mercedes do not confirm their new deal.
