Is Leclerc really considering leaving Ferrari? An upset Vasseur addresses recent rumors

22:46, 13 Jun

Updated: 22:52, 13 Jun

byTobia Elia

In recent days, there has been a lot of speculation about a possible departure of Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, following reports from some Italian media outlets. Frederic Vasseur addressed the matter shortly after the end of FP1 in Canada.

Is Leclerc really considering leaving Ferrari? Definitely not, according to team principal Frederic Vasseur.

The Draveil-born team principal, questioned about the latest rumors, responded with visible irritation to the journalists in the Montreal press room, once again stressing the strong bond between the Monegasque driver and the Prancing Horse.

It's a good example to speak about Charles, that he has a long-term contract with us. Each single interview, from the beginning of the season, he's telling that he wants to stay with Ferrari. He wants to win with Ferrari and his future is with Ferrari''.

''But every single Monday we have articles telling that, ah, Charles will go next year, Charles will... At one stage, I don't know what we have to do. I'm sorry and I can't repeat every single weekend the same things. But it is like it is''.

Lewis Hamilton, Frederic Vasseur, Charles Leclerc

Leclerc won't leave Ferrari

''Now with Lewis and Charles, I think we have a good relationship all together. We have a clear target. We know that we have to work. We know that we have to push. But the mood into the team is very good''.

''And it's the basic if you want to recover and to win. But everything is there. Everything is on the table to do a good job. And all together, we are working well''.

Both Hamilton and Leclerc came to their team principal’s defense when commenting on the rumors about his potential departure at the end of the season: ''I can understand their reaction because we are working on it day by day, are working to reach a target and we are working all together''.

''It's not about me again. I knew before, I knew perfectly that I'm exposed and the issue is not the team principal because we are fully aware. I think the issue in this kind of situation is more the people of the team and this is affecting me much more than my own position''.

''At one stage we have to consider that the people who are in every single team of the grid, are working all very hard, they are putting all of their energy, sometimes they're doing some sacrifice for the family and so on. To put names like this on the paper, I think it's very very harsh''.