Leclerc hears rumours of Mercedes deal: 'I'm not used to this'

Charles Leclerc has been increasingly linked with a move to Mercedes in recent weeks. These rumours are new to Leclerc, although he says he is not distracted by them.

Leclerc has been with Ferrari since 2019, where he reached five wins. Not the total he had hoped for, especially after a strong start to the 2022 F1 season. With his contract expiring at the end of 2024, rumours of a deal with Mercedes are increasing. Ferrari could then take over Lewis Hamilton.

Leclerc to Mercedes?

''Yes, I mean to be honest these are not discussions I am used to. Since I arrived in Formula 1, it's been straightforward as to what would happen for me. I did the first year in Alfa, and got into Ferrari. Then from that moment onwards, there has never been talks around my contact because it was very clear that I was with Ferrari,'' Leclerc said at the Weekend Warm-up.

Leclerc previously denied talks with Toto Wolff and Mercedes but understands where the rumours are coming from. ''It's normal at one point once the contract finishes these talks start but it doesn't disturb me or the team. I think the team know what I have in mind and what I want which is the most important thing.''

For Leclerc, it will be especially interesting to see how Frederic Vasseur wants to shape the team. Since the Frenchman's arrival, Ferrari has already lost several front-runners. Mattia Binotto (team boss and technical director), Laurent Mekies (sporting director) and aerodynamics specialist David Sanchez. Replacements for these have not yet been recruited.