Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari. 24.08.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 14, Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort, Netherlands, Preparation Day.
Charles Leclerc has dismissed rumours that he agreed terms on a contract extension to remain with Ferrari during the summer break.
Both Leclerc and Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz uphold deals through to the end of 2024, prompting constant speculation about the pair’s future throughout this year.
Amid Ferrari’s failure to provide him with race-winning machinery, rumours have persisted that Leclerc could choose to look elsewhere beyond the end of next season.
However, Leclerc has repeatedly reiterated his commitment to the Maranello side, with reports in the Italian media stating he had penned a new five-year deal.
But when asked about his current contractual situation ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix the Monegasque driver said: “I wish I did this deal because it looked like I did a good deal.
“No there are no new deals and no discussion whatsoever. But at one point we’ll definitely have those discussions. I think my intentions are clear.
“And then on the team side I don’t know. But I’m not too worried either.
“But it’s not the priority for now, for now we just want to try and work as much as possible on the car to get as competitive…to get back to where we were last year which was to fight for wins. Then we’ll see.
“At the end of the season we’ll have those discussions.”
Having clarified that his long-term future in F1 is yet to be resolved, Leclerc insists it hasn’t been a shock to him that Ferrari has not been in a rush to get him tied down.
“No, honestly I’m not surprised, and I’m not concerned,” he added. “If I was worried I probably would have started the discussions earlier.
“But I’m not too worried, should be all fine, we haven’t started the discussion but I’m happy to do it at the end of the year.”
3rd place Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari. 30.07.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 13, Belgian Grand Prix, Spa Francorchamps, Belgium, Race Day.
Pressed on whether it has been a mutual decision to wait until the current season is completed before starting talks, he replied: “Well, basically we don’t speak for each other, neither I do. Neither do they.
“Both of us have decided that way. And I think it’s the right way. No rush.”
Nevertheless, Leclerc has once again indicated that he has no reservations about Ferrari’s capacity to return to title-contending ways in the long term under the stewardship of Team Principal Frederic Vasseur.
When asked how convinced he was by the vision set out by Ferrari’s team boss, Leclerc said: “I’m fully convinced.
“To tell you if it’s in two months or a year or three years is very difficult. “I hope not three years but I’m fully convinced that it’s the right approach to do.
“As we said earlier we’ve got new engineers coming to the team. We always have but…it’s a constant plan for the next few years to reinforce the team and I think it’s the right way to go.
“I’m fully convinced with the vision Fred has for the team. We’re definitely working in the right direction. How long it will take? I don’t know.”
Keyword: Leclerc provides update on Ferrari F1 contract talks