Charles Leclerc has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari amid speculation of a potential seat swap with Lewis Hamilton.
A frustrating start to the 2023 Formula 1 season has led to growing talk over the Monegasque's future at the Scuderia, with his current contract running until the end of 2024.
After retiring in Bahrain, it was reported Leclerc personally requested assurances from Ferrari chairman John Elkann though that was later denied.
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At the same time, seven-time F1 champion Hamilton is also sounding increasingly unhappy with Mercedes over the lack of performance from its 2023 car.
And with his contract expiring at the end of this season, the possibility of a direct swap with Leclerc for 2024 has been touted.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard all these voices from outside since I’ve been at Ferrari. Maybe someone wants to destabilise us,” Charles told Sky Italia in Jeddah in response.
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— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 23, 2023
“I’m in red, and I think it’s quite obvious how much I love Ferrari, and how much I want to win with Ferrari.
“There’s not much more to say. For me, it’s pretty clear.”
Upon taking over as Ferrari boss back in January, Fred Vasseur was asked how important it was to secure Leclerc's long-term future at Maranello...
"I think it’s not the priority today. We have a good relationship and we’ll have time to discuss this," he said.
“First, I think the only topic today, we have to be focused on pure performance and to get results.”
And Leclerc has even suggested he would spend the rest of his career at Ferrari if offered the chance.
“Staying in red forever would be a dream," he said via Corriere della Sera. "Driving for Ferrari is the dream of every driver, and I’m living it.”
