F1 News: Charles Leclerc "Stuck" At Ferrari Despite Making "Mistakes, Even In Qualifying"

Damon Hill questions Charles Leclerc's long-term prospects at Ferrari, suggesting he may be "stuck" with the team and speculating on potential alternative destinations for the talented driver.

In a surprising move back in December 2019, Ferrari announced a five-year contract renewal for Charles Leclerc, solidifying his place within the prestigious Scuderia. The team's decision to place the then 22-year-old at the centre of Ferrari's Formula 1 project showcased their immense faith in the young driver, who had already demonstrated his potential with two victories and seven pole positions in his debut season. But now, former F1 champion Damon Hill believes the young Monegasque is "stuck".

The years following the contract renewal have not panned out as Leclerc and Ferrari had hoped. The 2020 and 2021 seasons were marked by disappointing results and a lack of competitiveness for the team. Leclerc even found himself surpassed by his teammate Carlos Sainz in the standings two years ago. The 2023 season hasn't started on a promising note either, with Leclerc currently sitting in seventh place in the World Championship standings, while Ferrari occupies the fourth spot in the Constructors. 

Hill, the 1996 world champion, recently weighed in on Leclerc's future in Formula 1. Speaking on an English podcast by Sky Sport F1, Hill expressed his view that Leclerc may be "stuck" at Ferrari. 

“I think Leclerc is 'stuck' at Ferrari," he said. "At times he has shone, but this has not been enough to guarantee him to fight continuously for the championship. Furthermore, he continues to make mistakes, even in qualifying ”. 

Hill then contemplated potential destinations for Leclerc should he leave The Scuderia, examining the driver lineups of top teams. 

“If we look at the top teams and their respective driver formations, they will probably be satisfied with who they have in the team.

"I'm not sure Leclerc can move elsewhere. At Red Bull? I doubt it, no chance. At Mercedes?

"I'm sure Toto Wolff will stay with Lewis Hamilton until he decides not to race anymore. So I think he will stay at Ferrari for the long term, as long as they give him the right car to win the championship.

"The Aston Martin? Perhaps. If Ferrari continues to do poorly, then perhaps they will start looking around. But I think he looks better in Maranello“

As speculation grows about Leclerc's future, fans and pundits alike ponder whether the talented driver will continue to pursue success with Ferrari or seek new horizons. The path ahead for Leclerc remains uncertain, and only time will reveal the trajectory of his career in Formula 1.