Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have firmly dismissed swirling rumors in the Italian media suggesting Leclerc is seeking a way out of Ferrari.
The speculation, fueled by reports from Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport, claimed Leclerc was frustrated with Ferrari’s lack of progress and that Vasseur could face scrutiny if the team’s performance doesn’t improve.
Ferrari, under Vasseur’s leadership since the start of the 2023 season, came agonizingly close to securing their first constructors’ championship since 2008 last year, finishing just 14 points shy of the title.
However, the SF-25 car has struggled to match the pace of its predecessor, prompting questions about the team’s direction. Despite this, both drivers expressed unwavering commitment to Ferrari’s long-term goals.
“I was very surprised by these rumors. I have no idea where they’re coming from,” Leclerc said when questioned by the media. “I’ve never said anything like this. If anything, I keep emphasizing how much I love Ferrari and want to bring them back to the top.”
Leclerc, alongside Hamilton and Vasseur, outlined a shared vision to restore Ferrari to their former glory. “The three of us, Fred, Lewis, and I, are aligned on our plan to start winning again,” Leclerc added. “We’re sticking to it, no matter what’s said outside.”
Hamilton echoed his teammate’s sentiments, dismissing the speculation as baseless. The seven-time world champion emphasized that the team are focused on internal progress rather than external noise.
“We know second place isn’t good enough for Ferrari,” Leclerc acknowledged. “We’re putting in every effort to get them winning again.”
Ferrari face stiff competition, particularly from McLaren, who have shown stronger pace in recent races. Leclerc admitted the challenge but stressed the team’s resolve to respond. “McLaren are ahead right now, and it’s on us to react. We need to ignore the rumors and focus on our work.”
The intense scrutiny is nothing new for Ferrari, a team steeped in history and expectation. “Pressure is normal at Ferrari,” Leclerc said. “It’s always been this way, and we deal with it. The external noise doesn’t add to the pressure we already put on ourselves.”
Ferrari’s next opportunity to silence their critics comes at the Canadian Grand Prix, where they will tackle the 70-lap challenge around the 4.361-kilometer Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 15. Fans will be watching closely to see if Ferrari can turn their vision into results on the track.
