Market rumors
In recent weeks, the usual, pressing market rumors have surrounded Scuderia Ferrari. In terms of drivers, Charles Leclerc has been the main target of speculation. He is a symbol of the red team and much loved by fans of the Prancing Horse. The difficult start to the 2023 Formula One season for the Monegasque, due to an uncompetitive car, as was expected, is causing frustration for #16, who is currently under contract with the Scuderia until the end of the 2024 campaign.
At the same time, it is no secret that Mercedes is aiming for the Monegasque driver as a future replacement for Lewis Hamilton, and the feeling is that Charles Leclerc now wants guarantees regarding the Maranello team’s future performance, with whom he still has a strong emotional attachment.
Helmut Marko’s words
Adding fuel to the fire, Helmut Marko suggested that Charles Leclerc could potentially decide to break his contract with Ferrari at the end of this season, using some specific clauses. This is a rather unlikely scenario, but it is clear that Ferrari needs to rally around their star driver at this moment, making it clear that Maranello has the right tools to aim for the title. Frederic Vasseur, who had already worked with Charles Leclerc during his time at Sauber, tried to do just that, speaking at a press conference ahead of the Baku weekend.
“Leclerc is a pillar”
The Ferrari team principal, who had already worked with the Monegasque at Sauber, stated – without mincing words – what many Ferrari fans had wanted to hear for some time: Charles Leclerc is at the heart of the project:
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“Charles Leclerc is clearly part of the project, he is not just a spectator – emphasized the French manager – he is involved in the development of the team. He is competitive both on and off the track. Every team is always built around the driver. If you look at the last few years, all the success stories have been those of a team built around a driver. It was the case for Hamilton in Mercedes, for Michael in Ferrari, for Alonso in Renault, and it is the same in Red Bull. There are many examples that could be taken. Charles is an important pillar of performance. He has a role both in the car and outside it, contributing to the performance. I am convinced of his dedication to the cause.” – the French manager added.
Positive frustration
Frederic Vasseur also justified the recent frustration shown in gestures and words by the Monegasque, considering it to be something absolutely healthy: “Frustration is positive – he commented – I would be disappointed if Charles were not frustrated, considering the current situation. He was twice on the front row, and in the first occasion, he retired, while in the second, he had to serve a penalty. Melbourne was certainly not the best Grand Prix of his life. If one were not frustrated in these situations, it would be a problem, and he should stop racing. I appreciate it, therefore. We had a discussion to understand what needs to be corrected, and we improve every weekend. Charles cannot be blamed for being disappointed.” – Frederic Vasseur concluded ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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