Frederic Vasseur really doesn’t want to hear about it. Pressed several times on the topic of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s contract renewal, the team principal of the Prancing Horse reiterates that, at the moment, there is no discussion on the matter. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise. As you may recall, even President John Elkann himself, at the end of the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, reiterated: “There are other priorities at the moment.”
At the same time, it is undeniable that the renewal of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, both expiring next year, is starting to become an issue for the Maranello. However, in a recent interview given to the Quotidiano Sportivo, the French team principal is quick to downplay it.
Fred Vasseur really doesn’t want to hear about it. Pressed several times on the topic of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s contract renewal, the team principal of the Prancing Horse reiterates that, at the moment, there is no discussion on the matter. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise. As you may recall, even President John Elkann himself, at the end of the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, reiterated: “There are other priorities at the moment.”
At the same time, it is undeniable that the renewal of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, both expiring next year, is starting to become an issue for the Maranello. However, in a recent interview given to the Quotidiano Sportivo, the French team principal is quick to downplay it.
“Allow me to ask you a question,” Fred Vasseur replies to Leo Turrini’s curiosity about the driver issue. “When does Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes expire?” In a few months, at the end of 2023, is the answer.
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“Exactly,” the Frenchman continues. “And we still don’t know anything about Lewis’ future. On the other hand, we have contracts with Charles and Carlos for the entire 2024.”
How can one argue with that? So when will they start talking about it? “At the beginning of the season, I told the drivers that we would only discuss renewals at the end of July, during the summer break.” – the Ferrari boss explained.
It is also obligatory to wonder about the intentions of the head of the Ferrari pit wall: “Honestly, I hope they both stay,” Fred Vasseur firmly responds.
Moving on to the recent issues raised by the Spanish press, suggesting that Ferrari is favoring Charles Leclerc at the expense of Carlos Sainz, the Frenchman believes that there is no basis for such claims.
“It’s not true at all,” he clarifies. “There would be no reason to do so. At the moment, they don’t have a winning car. It’s natural that this generates frustration in the drivers. Obviously, during the winter, Charles and Carlos had different expectations.” – the French manager pointed out.
And while the discussion about victory is postponed with a Red Bull performing so well, the goal remains to seize every opportunity that comes the way of the red duo: “In this situation, we have to maximize results every time.” – Fred Vasseur concluded.
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