Hamilton opens up on plans to remain in F1 ahead of 2023 season
Charles Leclerc could be offered a new contract at Ferrari amid speculation he may leave for rivals Mercedes. According to the Italian site Formu1a.uno, discussions on the extension of Leclerc’s deal are now closer.
It is understood mutual reassurances have been given after Ferrari president John Elkann was at Maranello to hold meetings. However, Leclerc has recently admitted it was “too early” to discuss details about a new deal.
He still has a year and a half left of his existing contract and appears in no place to discuss fresh terms. Earlier this month, Leclerc was asked if there would be any conditions in place to secure a new Ferrari deal.
He responded: “No, because I believe in the team 100 per cent and trust everyone from the mechanics to the team principal.
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“The team also has to believe in me too. But it’s also too early to talk about a new contract.” The claims come just hours after Leclerc was once again linked to a move to the Silver Arrows.
The Mail has reported Lewis Hamilton could be offered a £40million a year deal to switch allegiances to Ferrari. They believe the Scuderia will be left with two options which will see one of their current drivers getting the chop.
The preferred decision would be to partner Hamilton with Leclerc which would see Carlos Sainz getting axed.
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However, Leclerc being swapped to Mercedes to get the Hamilton deal over the line is not thought to be off the cards. Leclerc was asked about a possible move to Mercedes over the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
It came after Italian media suggested it was an “open secret” that Leclerc was holding talks with Silver Arrows bosses. When pushed on if he had spoken with team boss Toto Wolff, Leclerc replied: “No. Zero. Zero. Really zero.
“You all smile because you don’t believe me, but I promise.” The Monegasque added: “For now, I am fully focused on the project I am in today, which is Ferrari and I fully trust and am confident for the future.
“Then we will see, but I am fully confident for the project of Ferrari. I’m fully committed to Ferrari and I love Ferrari.”
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