F1 News: Charles Leclerc Reveals "No New Deals" With Ferrari Contract Discussions Paused

Charles Leclerc has addressed speculation about his Ferrari contract.

Charles Leclerc has put contract talks with Ferrari on hold until the end of the 2023 season. 

Despite the Monegasque driver remaining adamant that he will continue to drive with Ferrari beyond his current contract which expires at the end of 2024, he has revealed that he has put the discussions on hold for the time being. 

There have been multiple rumours of Leclerc holding conversations with Mercedes for a seat as well as another rumour of him signing an eye-watering €200 million contract extension with Ferrari. Leclerc was quick to shoot down the Mercedes rumours, remaining adamant that his goal is to win a championship with the Maranello-based squad. 

Whilst speaking to the media ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Leclerc joked about the €200 million contract whilst confirming the current state of play of the negotiations. He explained:

“I mean, I wish I did this deal because it looked like a good deal!

“But no, there are no new deals and no discussions whatsoever.

“But at one point, we’ll definitely have those discussions. I think my intentions are clear. And then on the team side, I don’t know, but I’m not too worried either. It’s not the priority for now.

“For now, we just want to try and work as much as possible on the car to get back to where we were last year, which was to fight for wins and then we’ll see.

“But at the end of the season for sure we’ll have those discussions.”

Leclerc is keen to focus on making the most of the second half of the 2023 season. He currently sits in fifth position with 99 points. There is a jump of 49 points ahead of him to Lewis Hamilton in fourth whilst George Russell is behind him in six position with the same 99 points.