Charles Leclerc is in no rush to sign an extension with Ferrari – nor is he chomping at the bit to fill Lewis Hamilton's boots at Mercedes.
Leclerc signed a notably long-term deal when he first moved to Ferrari, but it comes to an end after the 2024 season. That is less than two years away but, right now, renewal talks are on hold with new boss Frederic Vasseur prioritising other items on his to-do list.
"I don't want to put this topic on the table today. It wouldn't be a good way to start the collaboration," said the Frenchman last month. "We have to be focused on the sporting side to get results."
With a little bit of uncertainty creeping in regarding Leclerc's Ferrari future, he has naturally been linked with other options. There have been many suggestions that he would be the man Mercedes might turn to if Hamilton were to retire in the next two years.
As it stands, though, the racer says he is neither speaking with Ferrari over a new contract nor with Mercedes about a potential switch. "There is no hurry – I know you are worried that I could go to Mercedes, but honestly there are no negotiations," he told QN.
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Despite a difficult year in 2022, in which his title charged crumbled dramatically, Leclerc says he remains committed to the idea of not just becoming champion, but doing it driving a red car. He added: "I feel good in Ferrari, I feel the enthusiasm of the people. I am excited by the idea of crowning the dream, mine and everyone's, of winning with Ferrari.
It has been suggested Leclerc could be tempted to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes (Getty Images)"I leave for Bahrain on Monday and I honestly can't wait to be there. We will have three days of testing together with all the rivals. It doesn't make much sense to ask myself how I judge the new car, I immediately said that the first impression was good, but it all depends on the comparison with the other cars."
Meanwhile, regarding Hamilton's situation, things have gone relatively quiet despite both the driver and team boss Toto Wolff pledging publicly to thrash out a deal this winter.
But there has been one conversation since Hamilton returned from his globetrotting adventures over the winter break. And, speaking at the team's car launch event earlier this week, the Brit reiterated his desire to "stay longer" with Mercedes.
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