F1 Rumour: Charles Leclerc To Replace Lewis Hamilton And Vice Versa
The world of Formula 1 is never short on rumours, and the latest whispers suggest a potential swap between Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. While the idea of such a move has sparked excitement among fans, respected Italian journalist Leo Turrini doesn't believe it's that simple.
Turrini reports that Leclerc has been speaking with Mercedes, and Ferrari's president, John Elkann, has inquired about Hamilton's contract. However, Turrini doesn't see Hamilton making the move to Ferrari unless he retires, as even Max Verstappen "wouldn't make it" in today's Ferrari.
“That Leclerc is talking to Mercedes is the open secret,” Turrini reports.
“Everyone knows it, from the remote garage in Maranello to the Indian Ocean.
“In his unfinished career, he showed flashes of pure class. He is the first to know that time is passing.
“Russell is very, very strong. But if Hamilton were to stop, whoever pays in Stuttgart might not accept another Bottas alongside a driver who is not yet a World Champion. But that begs the question does Hamilton want to stop, given the 38-year-old has made it clear several times he has still has the ambition for number eight?
“What would he do if he realised that he could no longer win with the Silver Arrow? ... I do not know.
“On the other hand, I know that Hamilton has never been close to the Reds. There was never a negotiation. Never...
"It is true that John Elkann, who became president after Marchionne’s death, asked for information on Hamilton’s contract. We were in 2019, Vettel was almost at the end of his credits, but Lewis having won titles in a flurry running alone (copyright Alonso) was not in the least interested in the prospect.
“Today, 2023, but with the contracts in force in Maranello we are talking about 2025, the media hit would be sensational. But Ferrari needs much more than a marketing operation.”
We're currently waiting for the confirmation of a contract between Mercedes and their star driver, although both parties have confirmed that they won't be parting ways just yet. But with Leclerc's contract coming to an end after the 2024 season, it's anyone's guess as to whether what will happen at that point.
But there's one thing I am sure of: I do not believe Lewis will be leaving Mercedes. At least not for the time being. With their latest shakeup, I believe this will have re-energised the British driver and instilled confidence in him that the Brackley squad is going to turn their lack of pace around. Just working more closely with James Allison should partly alleviate the stress he's currently feeling thanks to their strong history.
For Charles Leclerc, it's a different story. New team principal Fred Vasseur has to show measured improvement next year, and if he doesn't, I don't think Leclerc will think twice about leaving to gain a potential world championship win with another team, despite the strong bond between them. Hamilton will likely block a move to Mercedes, so it's likely Charles could stay where he is for the time being.
Red Bull is full, I don't see them taking on the likes of Leclerc and certainly not Hamilton, but we're forgetting the team in green, Aston Martin. Only weeks ago did Fernando Alonso admit that he'd love to race alongside Hamilton before he retires, but can we see Lance Stroll, son of the man who chairs Aston Martin, being pushed out for even one of the most numbered drivers on the grid?
It's so hard to make predictions when there have only been three races so far this season, so it's best if we put these rumours to rest for the most part. But the facts are clear: Leclerc isn't happy, but Ferrari is making changes. Hamilton isn't happy either, but Mercedes are making (huge) changes. So who knows just yet.