Horner and Wolff React: Ferrari Would 'Be Crazy' To Not Keep Keep Leclerc

Thursday, 07 December 2023 at 13:00

Red Bull Racing and Mercedes team principals Christian Horner and Toto Wolff responded to Ferrari and Charles Leclerc's negotiations.

Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is considered one of the fastest drivers on the F1 grid. His contract with Ferrari ends in 2024, and multiple teams might be interested in snatching the Monegasque from the Italian team.

However, the 26-year-old recently told the media he would not change his position in Ferrari with any other driver on the grid and wants to finish the mission of achieving the World Championship with the team.

Leclerc's teammate Carlos Sainz's contract also expires at the end of 2024. While Ferrari used to be one of the last teams to sign its drivers, it seems the team is not waiting around this time.

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Rumors suggest Ferrari was already in contract negotiations with both drivers just a week after the end of 2023. Moreover, the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport suggests Leclerc already signed a five-year extension.

According to the news agency, Leclerc will remain with Scuderia Ferrari at least until the end of the 2029 season, and his contract defines yearly pay as high as 50 million.

The team principal of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner, recently shared his perspective on Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, saying the team would be crazy not to keep the Monegasque driver. He told he told Sky Sports:

"It’s totally natural. He’s a great driver, and I’m sure they’ll want to keep hold of him. They’d be crazy if they didn’t."

Mercedes team principal also gave his two cents on the situation, suggesting there is no reason for Ferrari not to sign the 26-year-old again.

"I don’t know anything about the contractual situation there, but he’s a great guy, and why wouldn’t Ferrari sign him?"

Leclerc has achieved his first-ever Formula One win with Ferrari and apparently will want to stay with the team until his first Championship title. Would you like to see the Monegasque on a different team?