Charles Leclerc has moved to quash rumours that his frustration with Ferrari's ongoing struggles may soon lead to a split.
Now in his seventh season with the Maranello-based team, the 27-year-old Monegasque has cut an increasingly frustrated figure in recent races, as the team once again appears unable to deliver a championship-contending car.
Italian media voices have begun calling for Ferrari to stop developing its 2025 car and shift all resources to the new regulations coming in 2026 — a strategy Leclerc admits could be on the table.
"Probably Fred will have to make the decision whether it's the right time to move on and prepare next season," Leclerc said, referencing team boss Frederic Vasseur. "What is wrong with this car? I wish I knew."
Vasseur, a long-time ally of Leclerc since their junior days, is also now under pressure from the Italian press. But Leclerc insists his confidence in the Frenchman remains firm.
"I've always said that I have total confidence in Fred and I really think he's the person who can bring Ferrari back to the top of the top," he told L'Equipe. "He's really the person who can make it win. I've always said that and I really hope that we'll succeed in bringing Ferrari back to the top together."
Former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto warned against the blame game currently circulating in the media.
"The scapegoat criterion is in force at Ferrari, but it doesn't solve the problem," Binotto told Corriere dello Sport.
As for speculation about his own future and potential impatience, Leclerc was clear.
"I'm not thinking about leaving Ferrari. Not at all," he said.
