Ferrari is racing against the clock to secure the allegiance of their star driver, Charles Leclerc. With only one more year left in his current contract, the Scuderia is deploying every strategic maneuver to keep the talented Monegasque driver in their stable beyond 2024. In the intriguing game of Formula 1 chess, seasoned figure Johnny Herbert, an expert commentator, also shares his conviction that Charles Leclerc holds the untapped potential to clinch World Championships with Ferrari. A tantalizing prospect for both the team and the passionate Tifosi.
Herbert, drawing from his wealth of experience, emphasizes the pivotal role of Fred Vasseur in orchestrating the team’s resurgence. Despite challenges, ranging from strategic missteps to pitstop errors, Herbert exudes confidence in Vasseur’s ability to navigate these complexities and bring back the glory days for the Italian team.
The duo of Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur is crucial for Ferrari’s resurgence in Formula 1
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The 2023 season was a tough test of character for Charles Leclerc. Five pole positions echoed his qualifying prowess, yet the checkered flag eluded him. It’s a narrative where potential meets frustration, a potent mix that only deepens the resolve to win a championship with the team in red. Ferrari, also understanding the crucial role of the Monegasque driver needed for championship triumphs, aims to tie him down for the long haul.
Herbert’s words echo a sentiment shared by those privy to the inner workings of Maranello. The ingredients, as he calls them, are there. The speed, the skill, and the eagerness are palpable. The missing link, the elusive championship, is a puzzle that Fred Vasseur is determined to solve.
“I think that they have the right ingredients still to be competitive and to give the drivers a chance of winning the championship, especially with Charles,“ said Herbert according to Express Sport. “I think Fred Vasseur is the right character to be able to bring the right ingredients for Ferrari to get back to those… winning ways is one thing but actually winning a championship ways… it’s the mentality that needs to come together.”
🚨 Charles Leclerc is reportedly set for a five-year Ferrari contract extension, which will reach a €50 million salary!
Ferrari 🤝 Leclerc, until 2029!#F1 #Ferrari #Leclerc pic.twitter.com/0O50OpmZop
— 🏎 Formula 1 Daily (@Formula1_Daily) December 3, 2023
Amid acknowledged challenges, including strategic elements and pitstop errors, Herbert’s confidence in Vasseur’s ability to address these issues is also strong. The tantalizing prospect of Ferrari’s return to championship-winning ways serves as the undercurrent for Leclerc’s championship aspirations.“There are still little elements of strategy, of little mistakes in pit stops that still creep in. And that’s the things they’ve got to iron out. But I think Fred is able to achieve that. So I think it would still be the right place for him [Charles Leclerc] for the moment to continue. I don’t see any reason why he’d wanna go anywhere else,” Herbert concluded.
In this ongoing drama of contracts and negotiations, voices from rival teams lend weight to Ferrari’s endeavor.
Toto Wolff and Christian Horner back Ferrari’s choice of locking down Charles Leclerc
The contractual saga at Ferrari is leaning towards a substantial five-year contract extension for Charles Leclerc. It’s a move to secure long-term stability for one of Ferrari’s prized seats. With an eye-watering reported starting salary of £21.5 million, the negotiations also underline Leclerc’s stature as a frontrunner and Ferrari’s commitment to retaining their star driver.
Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, and Christian Horner, the Red Bull chief, both throw their support behind Ferrari’s pursuit of a long-term deal with the Monagasque. Horner, acknowledging Leclerc’s prowess, told Sky Sports F1, “He’s a great driver, and I’m sure they’ll want to keep hold of him. They’d be crazy if they didn’t.“
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🎙️| Christian Horner says Ferrari would be ‘crazy’ not to keep hold of Charles Leclerc:
Horner on the contract extension rumours:
🗣️: “It’s totally natural, he’s a great driver. I’m sure they’ll want to keep hold of him and they’d be crazy if they didn’t.” pic.twitter.com/4ue4LDujlO
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) December 7, 2023
Wolff, recognizing Leclerc’s talent, doesn’t see why Ferrari won’t resign their star driver, stating, “I don’t know anything about the contractual situation there, but he’s a great guy and why wouldn’t Ferrari sign him?“
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Watch This Story | F1 veteran shocked as Charles Leclerc’s bratty behavior is overlooked by Ferrari in surprising decision
So, do you think Charles Leclerc should stay true to his dream of bringing back championship glory to Ferrari? Or should he try to get a seat somewhere he can actually fight for championships? Share your insights with us in the comments.