Charles Leclerc insists his “dream” remains to win a Formula 1 World Championship with Ferrari, but asserts he’s “not in a rush” for discussions to begin on a new deal.
The Monegasque’s current contract – signed in 2019 – runs through 2024, prompting speculation throughout this year that he could opt to look elsewhere amid Ferrari’s troubles to provide a competitive car.
Leclerc has only amassed five victories since being promoted to Ferrari in 2019, despite racking up 20 pole positions, and he has yet to be involved in a sustained title bid.
While Ferrari began the latest rules cycle last year with the strongest car, the Italian marque was out-developed by Red Bull, who have now won every race this season.
Meanwhile, Ferrari has hit trouble with an inconsistent SF-23 car, an evolution of last year’s race-winning F1-75 charger, slumping to third in the Constructors’ Championship.
However, Leclerc admits he wants to remain with the Maranello-based squad, adding that he is not concerned by negotiations on an extension not yet taking place.
When asked when talks will begin with Ferrari regarding a new contract on Thursday at Monza, Leclerc said: “Yeah, I mean, on my side, we are in quite a difficult situation at the moment and the priority is to first focus on the job we’ve got to do with the car, because we are quite far off the Red Bull.
“But then I’m sure that at the end of the season we’ll start the talks. I think I’ve made clear quite a few times what are my intentions for the future.
“My dream has always been of being a Ferrari driver. And I would love to be winning a World Championship with them.
“And yeah, I’m not too worried about when the discussions will start. I’ve still got a year and a half of contract for now. So I’m not in a rush.”
Leclerc had repeatedly been linked with a high-profile move to Mercedes, with team boss Toto Wolff expressing that he was a driver on the team’s radar for the future.
However, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, it was announced that Lewis Hamilton had signed a new two-year contract to remain with the German marque in F1.
Mercedes also confirmed that George Russell would be partnering with the seven-time World Champion to form its driver line-up until the end of 2025.
Leclerc currently sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship, six points and one place behind Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz, who finished third at Monza on Sunday.
Sainz is also waiting to discuss terms on his future with Ferrari beyond the 2024 campaign, having signed a two-year deal early last season.
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