F1, Ferrari: Charles Leclerc was aware of negotiations with Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari is going through a significant phase of transition, involving changes in all operational areas of the Prancing Horse. Project 676 has seen the assembly of the new car completed. Checks on the “seven-post rig” have begun to study the behavior of the SF-24 in terms of suspension. With the fire-up done, only the first on-track shake-down is awaited to gather insights for the pre-season tests.

As anticipated, the newest addition to Maranello aims to make a clear competitive step forward. To achieve this, about 95% of the car has undergone necessary modifications. These include a new front wing, lowered intrusion cone, expanded undercut, changes to the floor inlet, downwash sidepods, modifications to the floor inlet, a larger diffuser, and a revised kinematics of the suspension system.

Simultaneously, work has been done on the plan regarding updates to ensure the correct path for future improvements. This decision was strongly advocated by Enrico Cardile, the technical head of the team, to avoid going down the wrong path that, by mid-season, could no longer be corrected. A new team of engineers is handling the vehicle dynamics department, as Ferrari aims to achieve an optimal status in tire management in 2024.

Several structures have undergone modernization, including those dedicated to strategic planning, a long-standing Achilles’ heel for the Italian team. This “poisonous” distinctive trait should no longer be present. Within this scenario, there is also a “earthquake” regarding personnel. Foreign hiring in progress, confirmation of Charles Leclerc, dismissal of Carlos Sainz, and the bombshell of Lewis Hamilton. This last development leads to several significant considerations for the future.

Charles Leclerc has renewed his contract, knowing Ferrari’s desire to bring Hamilton to Maranello
Leclerc has signed a multi-year renewal with the “promise of centrality” in the future measures of the Modena-based team. A necessity to fully support the Ferrari driver and rely on him to return to winning. So far, nothing strange. However, then, a few days later, comes the surprising news. An unexpected and sudden bolt from the blue that leaves everyone stunned, especially those who frequent the F1 paddock. Unexpected and abrupt news.

Lewis Hamilton signs an agreement with Ferrari that will shower him with golden opportunities. A move carried out in great secrecy by the cunning John Elkann, who, at least in this case, did not seem at all detached from internal Ferrari dynamics. On the contrary, he seized the opportunity to sign a contract with his protégé, the most successful active driver. A colossal operation, where Lewis could even become an Exor ambassador.

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Toto Wolff was left in a difficult position. Any other consideration on the matter is as unrealistic as the six words that open the paragraph. But, then again, could it be any different? Who expected it? After absorbing the blow with pain, he contemplates what to do. George Russell in the spotlight, and a season to face as separated at home. Torn down the posters of Lewis in the bedroom, life goes on since the competitive 2024 Formula 1 campaign is on the horizon.

However, according to some, Toto is not the only disappointed individual in this thorny issue. It seems that Charles Leclerc is also not jumping for joy at Lewis’s arrival. Considering that, in theory, the Monegasque driver was completely unaware of this move by Ferrari. A dismay shared with Leclerc’s entourage, somewhat shocked by the sudden “notification.”

Now. Starting with the premise that rumors should be treated as such, it seems highly unlikely that the former Alfa Romeo driver was unaware of the facts. News that we tend to exclude by arguing our “case.” First of all, too many delicate aspects are present in the story, considering contractual emoluments, legitimate ambitions, and meticulously studied clauses. Furthermore, we must take into account the trust element.

How can a driver like Charles Leclerc sign a multi-year agreement, transforming into the team’s flagbearer, and the following week, fall from grace in this way? What kind of trust relationship would that be? Not to mention the esteem and loyalty that this young man has nurtured towards the red team during the years when he was forced to drive a lackluster car. It would be too much even for Charles Leclerc because unconditional love for something does not mean being foolish.