Leclerc reveals key reason for penning new Ferrari deal: 'I really believe'
Photo: Race Pictures
15:56, 04 Jun
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Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Charles Leclerc believes Frederic Vasseur can lead Ferrari to success after signing a new contract extension with the Scuderia. The Monegasque driver highlighted that the team principal is one of the main reasons why he believes in the Italians' project.
Leclerc had no doubt about signing a new contract with Ferrari, which was announced ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. He began: "It was very clear, I love the team. I think that's pretty obvious from the outside. It's been eight years with the Formula One team, 10 years with Ferrari as a whole. They've been one of the first people to believe in me and to help me to get to where I am today. I believe in the project most of all."
The Monegasque driver then highlighted Vasseur's role in signing a new deal with the team. "I think with Fred, we have a very, very good relationship, and I strongly believe that he's the person that will be able to bring Ferrari back to the top. It's been a good start of the season, obviously not as good as what we will want because we want to target the world championship, but there's been a lot of innovation on the car. We know where we are lacking, and that's probably more the engine side. We've got a plan coming up, and hopefully, it will help us to get back to where we want to be. I love this team and because I believe in the project, and for these two reasons, that's why we continue together."
Leclerc backs Vasseur's vision
Throughout the 2025 season, there were rumors questioning the Frenchman's future at Ferrari. At the time, both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton stood up for Vasseur.
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Now, Leclerc reaffirmed supporting the team boss' vision. "I mean, I'm very on board with his vision. I really believe in Fred. Obviously, it's the first car that he did together with the team. Obviously, we are seeing lots of innovation on our car. And we have a long-term vision. I mean, not too long, because obviously, we all want to win as quickly as possible. But yeah, as soon as possible to be back on top and I believe in this vision. So yeah, that's what makes me believe about this project more than ever."
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur - Photo: Race Pictures
Leclerc to finish his career with Ferrari?
The Monegasque driver signed a multi-season contract with the Scuderia. He was also asked about whether he would stay with Ferrari for the rest of his career. "I'm still very young, I mean I'm 28, so I still have many years ahead of me, but as I've said, at the moment, this is what feels right for me. And this is where I want to put all my focus in trying to win with the team I love, that believed in me, that gave me the chance to be where I am today. And that's what felt right for me. Then, for the future, we'll see. Obviously, I don't know what will life look like in five or six or seven or ten years' time, but it's not the moment either to think about it."
He added: "My love for the team is very, very big. But of course, as you said, winning is important for every driver and it's what we race for. But winning in red for me has a very unique feeling and something that I've dedicated all the years so far in Formula 1 to try and achieve that. We didn't manage to achieve that yet, at least on a full season. I cannot go too much into the detail of the contract, so I cannot comment, unfortunately, the main question, but surely it's part of those discussions."
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