Leclerc ready to ‘push’ for new Ferrari F1 deal despite other options

Charles Leclerc has said he is ready to “push” for a long-term Formula 1 future at Ferrari, even though there are options elsewhere on the grid.

The Monegasque driver’s current contract expires at the end of the 2024 season and there has been no rush from either his side or Ferrari to arrange an extension so far.

This delay, combined with a disappointing campaign with Ferrari that did not deliver the expected results, has fueled speculation of other teams vying for Leclerc’s services.

Leaders Mercedes, Aston Martin and Red Bull are all seen as possible options for him, as there may be vacancies until 2025.

But despite apparently weighing up other opportunities, Leclerc has made it clear that his priority is to fulfill his dream of winning the F1 championship with Ferrari, and that seeing even the slightest chance of achieving that would be enough to secure his stay.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Leclerc said it was natural for drivers to weigh up their chances elsewhere, but this did not affect his commitment to his current team.

“Of course, I think every driver has thought about their different options once they get it [possibility],” he said.

“But I have a huge love for Ferrari. And my first goal and my first dream is to become world champion with Ferrari, more than anything else.

“So if there’s even a small chance of that happening, I’ll have no doubt in my mind that I’ll be pushing to at least stay here.”

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-23

Photo: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Leclerc said he wasn’t blind to how difficult things have been for the team this year, but insisted that’s no reason to think things can’t get better.

“It’s clear, I think for everyone in the team, that we’re not happy with the situation we’re in today, that we want to win,” he said.

“But I love Ferrari. It feels like my home. And I can’t say much more because there hasn’t been any discussion except for a few jokes here and there.”

Leclerc dismissed any suggestion that the delay in starting contract talks was anything to worry about, as he understood Ferrari needed to focus on getting faster.

“I just think it’s probably not the priority at the moment: not for me, but not for the team either,” he said. “We’re only focusing on what’s really important now.

“It’s about being as competitive as possible again. And then we’ll see. But again, I love Ferrari and it feels like home.”

Not to catch the Red Bull

Ferrari had hoped to build on their winning form from 2022 to challenge for the world championship this year.

However, it has found itself at the back with rivals Red Bull having produced a dominant RB19 car that has won every grand prix so far.

Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari, at the press conference after qualifying

Photo by: Motorsport Images

Although Ferrari have made good progress in overcoming the inconsistency issues that plagued them on Sundays, Leclerc believes it is too much to expect to close the entire gap on Red Bull before the end of the campaign.

However, he believes Ferrari can be in a position to finish the year better than the rest, and ahead of main rivals Mercedes, McLaren and Aston Martin.

“I think the realistic goal, at least [the one] We want to build ourselves up, it’s to be the strongest team after Red Bull and close the gap with Red Bull,” he said.

“Then for 2024, there’s no doubt that in everyone’s mind the aim is to get back to the top and fight Red Bull.

“I think realistically, and this is just my opinion, that before the end of the year, we won’t be able to catch Red Bull. But the aim will be at least to be ahead of McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin. He will be our goal”.