Charles Leclerc loyal to Ferrari: "I wouldn't trade places with Verstappen"

Rumors and deadlines
Charles Leclerc’s summer, besides well-deserved relaxation, has also been marked by numerous market rumors in which he played a central role. While at the beginning of the season, the boldest rumors from England suggested him as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, the common belief now is that he is close to renewing his contract with Ferrari. After all, the agreement between the Scuderia and the Monegasque talent will expire at the end of 2024, and ensuring a longer-term partnership now could contribute to greater stability in the Ferrari project. However, Leclerc has made it clear that he’s in no rush.

No rush, but lots of confidence
Charles Leclerc, interviewed in the pages of the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica by journalist Alessandra Retico, explicitly stated that it’s not yet time to decisively consider the new agreement to be negotiated with Maranello. Not because the #16 Ferrari driver, now the undisputed idol of Italian fans, is actually thinking about changing teams, quite the opposite:

“There’s no hurry, other priorities come first. We’re working hard to return to winning soon: discussions about my future can wait until the end of the year,” he commented. So, no announcement at Monza, but a clear intention to continue binding himself to Scuderia Ferrari for the years to come.

Replacing Max? No, thank you
Charles Leclerc’s choice, in some ways, might leave people surprised. While it’s understandable that he loves Ferrari, a sentiment he’s always expressed, is it possible that he doesn’t want to explore other options, perhaps toward teams that could provide him with a more competitive car in the short term? The 25-year-old from Monaco, who will turn 26 on October 16th, is the same age as Max Verstappen, with whom he’s been dueling since childhood. Currently, the Dutchman is on track for his third consecutive title, yet the Monegasque wouldn’t want to be in his position.

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“I would never trade places with him – Charles Leclerc stated unequivocally – in the sense that being a Ferrari driver has always been my dream, and becoming a world champion with Ferrari is my goal. I know I don’t currently have a car that’s up to par to fight against Max, but I have no doubt that my path is the right one. I’ll assess my career when I retire, but I have no regrets or remorse, I’m happy at Ferrari.” A very clear declaration of intent that also shuts the door on the much-discussed talks with Mercedes. Despite Toto Wolff‘s compliments, though, Charles Leclerc assured that a real negotiation never took place: “Nothing true or serious, never.”