Charles Leclerc’s Mercedes Rumored Move Questioned as Toto Wolff & Co. Reminded to Justify the Risk

The domino effect in the Formula 1 paddock is unreal. With the heavy interlinking based around Lewis Hamilton’s new contract, the order of the grid is hanging out of balance. Who is the key player in this other than Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes? Charles Leclerc. Yes, Leclerc, who has been heavily linked with the Brackley-based squad as Hamilton’s contract is due to expire this year and his own is due next year, keeps uncertainty high.

However, with speculation of Hamilton and Mercedes signing the extension right around the corner, another question arises. The question is, would Leclerc, driving clearly for the second-fastest team, move to Mercedes in the hope that the Toto Wolff-led squad could turn things around to compete with Red Bull in the coming couple of years? The dilemma would be real for the Monegasque. As he could lose everything that he has at Ferrari for something that holds potential. A bird in hand is better than two in the bush. No doubt, whatever Ferrari is going through, they are still a few steps ahead of Mercedes.

Analyzing the prospects of Leclerc moving, Sam Bird, Mercedes’ 2012 test driver, on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast said, “Well, right now he’s in a much quicker car. Do you have faith in the Mercedes completely rehauling their car in the next two, three, four years to take the fight to Red Bull? That’s the difficulty. Can you see? What are you doing, realistically challenging Red Bull in the next two years?”

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The other speaker of the episode remarked how Leclerc, despite his wish to move, might not have an option. It could be a possibility as well, since Hamilton might sign an extension of two years, thus in a way forcing Leclerc to stay with the Maranello-based outfit. 

Charles Leclerc remains on Toto Wolff’s radar

His team has held back possibly the best qualifier on the grid. Despite his failures with Ferrari, the driver’s ability isn’t hidden, resulting in his getting into the good books of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, alongside Mick Schumacher.

Confirming the commitment of the Silver Arrows to sign Lewis and Charles to their project, Wolff still has the Ferrari superstar on his radar. As quoted by Sky Sports, he said, “Charles is a super guy and for the long-term future someone you have to have on your radar but not for the short and medium term,” confirming the solid rumors.

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But the transfer won’t be easy. George Russell’s camp might object to the move since he was believed to be the potential long-term replacement for Hamilton. So, Leclerc coming along could pose a challenge for everyone, meaning the potential for another team rivalry in Mercedes.