Leclerc on Mercedes rumours: 'Still a long way to 2024'

Charles Leclerc is not ruling out a switch to Mercedes in the future. In an interview with L'Equipe the Ferrari driver was asked about the rumours circulating about his future and although he has no concrete plans to leave Ferrari yet, he did not want to rule anything out either.

His fourth year at Ferrari was a very successful one for Leclerc. The first win of the season is in his name, he was able to challenge Max Verstappen for the championship lead for a while and eventually finished the year in a nice second place. Although the Monegasque is balking at his own mistakes this season, he prefers to look at the positives.

"What I take away from this year is that we are competitive again and fighting for wins," Leclerc said. "The first three or four races were very good."

'First win, then we'll see'

In the interview, Leclerc is also asked about his future. It is rumoured in the paddock that Mercedes would like to have Leclerc when Lewis Hamilton hangs up his racing helmet. Leclerc still has a contract until 2024, Hamilton's expires next year. Leclerc did not want to give too definitive an answer to that yet.

"There is still a long way to go until 2024 and some more time left as a soldier in the ranks of Ferrari. Being in this team has been my dream since I was a kid. My goal for now is to win with Ferrari. After that, we'll see."