Charles Leclerc says he’s by no means thought of leaving the Ferrari Method 1 group, having signed a brand new multi-year cope with the outfit.
A Ferrari protege since 2016, having graduated to the Italian F1 squad in 2019, Leclerc has remained devoted ever since, competing in 155 grands prix with 27 pole positions and eight victories. The brand new contract will doubtless hold him tied to Maranello till 2028 on the earliest.
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The Monegasque, nonetheless, has by no means been supplied with real title-contending equipment, and has been winless because the 2024 United States Grand Prix, though he lies third within the 2026 standings up to now.
Supervisor Nicolas Todt presumably has acquired curiosity from different prime groups concerning Leclerc, so Motorsport requested him in an unique interview if he’d ever felt the necessity to take into account alternate options to Ferrari.
“I’ve by no means actually thought of alternate options,” the 28-year-old replied. “There have definitely been conversations, as a result of after 10 years on this paddock you construct relationships that transcend the skilled sphere. Typically there are discussions that I take into account pure, however I can verify that these issues concern Nicolas way more than me.
“So far as I’m involved – and I need to emphasize this – what I wished to do has at all times been very clear.”
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Photograph by: Alessio Morgese / NurPhoto through Getty Photos
So Leclerc is pledging his loyalty to Ferrari but once more, as he nonetheless believes in group principal Fred Vasseur’s plan for the Scuderia.
“The primary issue is believing within the venture,” he insisted. “As for the love I’ve for this group, that’s not one thing I must query, so from that viewpoint I didn’t should assume a lot.
“Then there’s Fred: now we have a novel relationship, and I’ve nice confidence that he’s the precise particular person to convey Ferrari again to the highest.” Leclerc gained the GP3 and F2 titles with Vasseur’s ART squad and made his F1 debut with the Sauber outfit, which was led by the Frenchman on the time.
“There are additionally the indicators we’ve seen this 12 months,” added Leclerc. “We’re behind Mercedes, that’s true, however I see a whole lot of innovation. At Maranello there’s a gaggle pushing laborious, attempting to assume otherwise from the previous, even outdoors the field. We’ve seen new options on the automobile, and that gave me much more confidence, convincing me that that is the group I need to be with.
“So, past my love for Ferrari – which is apparent – there was additionally a rational analysis. Simply as there was with each contract renewal.”
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Photograph by: Bryn Lennon / Method 1 through Getty Photos
So, for Leclerc, the shortage of a world title up to now is counterbalanced by his gratitude in direction of the group which has at all times believed in him.
“In fact I’d prefer to have extra victories, and I’d prefer to have gained a world championship,” he admitted. “These are issues I nonetheless don’t have.
“However I’ve had the possibility to race for the group that at all times made me dream. And I additionally take into consideration loyalty in direction of the individuals who helped me at an important second in my profession, permitting me to get the place I’m right now. If Ferrari hadn’t believed in me, I don’t know if I’d be right here now. That’s essential to me.
“Positive, I’d like extra success on my resume, however I believe everybody at all times needs one thing extra, even once they’ve already gained so much. It’s true that victories and a world title are what I’m lacking and what I need to obtain. I hope it occurs quickly.”
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