F1 News

Leclerc reacts to Hamilton replacement rumours: No talks yet!

Published

1y ago

Apr 27, 2023 / 8458 Views

Charles Leclerc says he is "fully committed" to Ferrari amid rumours he could be a replacement for Lewis Hamilton at the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

With Hamilton's contract up at the end of the season, and no certainty he will sign a fresh deal with Mercedes, possible replacements for the seven-time champion have been touted, with Leclerc's name consistently linked, especially given Ferrari's struggles.

However, the Monegasque driver is firm that talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff have not taken place - although he did not fully rule them out happening in the future.

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Leclerc clear over Mercedes links

"No, not yet, not for the moment," Leclerc responded when asked by media, including RacingNews365, if he had held talks with Mercedes, while also rejecting claims he had spoken with Wolff over the phone.

"I am fully focused on the project I have today: which is Ferrari.

"I fully trust [the team] and I'm confident for the future - and then we'll see.

"I'm fully committed to Ferrari, and I love Ferrari. It's always been a dream for me to be in this team - and my main priority it to win the World Championship with the team, so no, [moving to Mercedes] is not something in my mind.

Ferrari boss firm on Leclerc

Leclerc's five-year contract expires at the end of the 2024 season, with new Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur "not scared" that his star driver could be tempted to go elsewhere if the Scuderia are not in a position to challenge Red Bull, consistently.

"We will do it in the course of the season," he explained to media, including RacingNews365, when asked about Leclerc's contract situation.

"He's under contract with us for more than one year now and we'll have time to discuss it.

"I'm not scared at all - and I think it is not the right moment [to discuss it]."