Charles Leclerc reiterated his preference for signing a new contract with Ferrari, but said lately it is a priority for the team to find a cure for its underperforming car.
Leclerc’s contract with Ferrari expires at the end of 2024 and the Italian team’s failure to provide him with a championship-caliber car has sparked speculation he could pursue his next contract.
Earlier this year there were rumours he might upgrade Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, but Leclerc has said he must stay put.
“I have enjoyed Ferrari and I would like to stay,” Leclerc told the BBC. “I have made it very clear that my goal is to try to be world champion, but first with Ferrari.
“I know how complicated it is. We are not in the simplest situation. There’s a big hole to close to get to Red Bull’s point, but Ferrari helped me before I got into F1, believed in me and put me in Ferrari’s seat. Very early and it’s a team that I loved.
“My priority is to win with Ferrari and I’m not worried if I won’t make it or anything like that. We just have to work on the team and try to improve it as much as possible, and I can do that. “one day. “
Leclerc joined Ferrari in 2019.
Ferrari started 2022 strongly, with Leclerc winning two of the first three races, but saw his championship challenge through a series of strategic mistakes and driving force errors during the year.
This year, the team is even wider with McLaren and Aston Martin making great strides and joining Ferrari and Mercedes in the Red Bull chasing group.
Leclerc said that lately the team’s attention is focused on this situation.
On talks with Ferrari, he said: “There are some jokes here and there, there are no serious discussions yet. “
“Honestly, I’m not in a hurry. I don’t think Ferrari’s priority is to single me out at the moment, which is understandable because we’re all focused on looking to have the most productive race car imaginable as soon as possible.
“I perceive it. So for now, we’re just concentrating on the season. I’m sure the discussions will come at some point in the season, probably a little later. “