F1 News: Former Ferrari Chairman Backs Charles Leclerc Amid Ongoing Team Struggles
Ferrari's former chairman Luca di Montezemelo has backed Charles Leclerc's spot on the team amid ongoing silly season rumours.
There had previously been speculation that the Monegasque driver want in conversation with Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff for a seat when his Ferrari contract expires at the end of 2024. However, Leclerc has been open with his intent to win a championship with the Maranello-based team.
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Despite the teams difficulties so far this season, di Montezemelo believes the team should hold on to Leclerc. He explained during an interview with Quotidiano Sportivo:
“Charles I would definitely want to keep, he is good and, in my opinion, there are no stronger drivers than him available at the moment.
“But currently, whoever is driving the red car is the least of the team’s problems."
Di Montezemelo went on to reminisce on his years at the head of the team, whilst taking the opportunity to make a slight jab at the team for their current performance. He continued:
“When I was the president, I created a dream team with Schumacher to Todt, from Brawn to Byrne. Look, as a fan, I don’t dream of a Ferrari that always wins, but that always fights for the title right up to the last race of the season, like in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
“You can lose, but as a protagonist, not as a secondary player.”
Leclerc is currently in fifth position in the drivers' standings with 99 points, whereas, Carlos Sainz is in seventh position with 92 points.
The F1 summer break will be coming to an end with the Dutch Grand Prix next week on August 25-27.
