Despite a valid contract and the 2024 silly season well out of sight, the future of Charles Leclerc became a common topic of discussion. These speculations derived from Ferrari’s struggling state gathered a lot of steam. These rumors were joint at the hip with Leclerc joining Mercedes. However, whenever these speculations made rounds around the media circles, they were as instantly shut down. Weighing on in this debate, a Ferrari veteran used sentimental values to trash the rumors.

French driver Jean Alesi drove for the Italian team from 1991 to 95. The Frenchman knows exactly the pride that comes from driving for the oldest and the most prestigious teams in the sport’s history. While sharing his two cents on the F1 Nation podcast, Alesi used this exact logic to squash the Mercedes rumors.

“I think the dream for a lot of drivers is to be a Ferrari driver and Charles is in Ferrari. I don’t think he wants to leave.” said the French former Ferrari driver.

Alesi quashed all Mercedes rumors, which came into being only after the contract situation of Lewis Hamilton. However, despite weeks of speculations, now the general understanding is Hamilton and Leclerc are far from leaving their respective teams.

Read More: Devoid of Championship Glory, Charles Leclerc Asked to Take Charge of His Fate at Ferrari: “Get What You Want”

In fact, the respective team bosses also cleared the air about the future of their respective drivers after the Azerbaijan GP.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are staying put according to their team bosses

Both Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur were quizzed by the media following the Azerbaijan GP about the interlinked future of their drivers. However, the positive results for both Leclerc and Hamilton in Baku gave the team bosses a leg to stand on and they instantly ridiculed the transfer rumors. At least Frederic Vasseur did.

Wolff kept an open mind about the long-term future of the drivers and the team. He said, “I think he is 100% dedicated and loyal to Ferrari, and there is a contract. And we are 100% committed to Lewis. Charles is a super guy and for the long-term future, he is a driver that you must always have on your radar, it is clear. But not for the short or medium term.”

Vasseur did not leave any room for any change. “All the rumors that Leclerc is away from Ferrari are nonsense. Charles loves Ferrari. He has said it several times,” said Vasseur.

WATCH THIS STORY: How Long Will Charles Leclerc Wait for Ferrari – Will He Leave for Some Other team Post-2024? 

However, in the end, words are just that and only time will reveal the future of the two drivers. Although the sentimental value is strong in both drivers and we doubt we will see a dramatic change anytime soon.