Charles Leclerc sends clear message to Mercedes as they plan for li…

Hamilton opens up on plans to remain in F1 ahead of 2023 season

Charles Leclerc has made it clear his primary ambition remains to become a Formula One world champion with Ferrari despite links to Mercedes. Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff is committed to signing Lewis Hamilton to a new contract but has also teased the team’s plans for life after the seven-time champion.

Following reports that Leclerc has held talks with Mercedes, the Austrian admitted: “Charles is a super guy and for the long-term future someone you have to have on your radar but not for the short and medium term. Nobody doubts Charles’ ability and he is a good guy.

“He is 100 per cent committed to Ferrari and we are 100 per cent committed to putting pen to paper with Lewis.” And Leclerc has made it clear in conversation with German outlet Bild that he thinks he can still become a champion with the Scuderia in the future.

Asked if he can win a title with Ferrari, who have not had a world champion since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, Leclerc replied: “Yes. When I dream of being world champion one day, in my mind I wear a red racing suit and get out of a red car.

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“Not every driver can say it openly, but I think every F1 driver would love to drive for Ferrari.” Hamilton himself has previously indicated he would love to drive for the Prancing Horse though he is expected to see out his F1 career with Mercedes.

And Leclerc will not be replacing Hamilton any time soon. The Monegasque, 25, is under contract until the end of the 2024 season and the Briton – whose current terms expire at the end of the year – is likely to sign a multiple-year agreement in the coming months.

Asked about his future in a separate interview last week, Leclerc said: “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.”

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When quizzed on whether he’s had discussions with Mercedes or other teams, Leclerc said: “No, there have not been any conversations. Not yet. Not for the moment. Really zero. You all smile because you don’t believe me, but I promise.”

While Hamilton said when asked if speculation about talks with Leclerc will impact his future: “Not really. Maybe all the drivers have relationships with different bosses. I like where I am. I love my team. I am grateful for the journey that we’ve been on, and what we’re working on moving forwards. It doesn’t have any impact, no.”

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