General
'Leclerc now in talks with Ferrari, driver sets high standards'
It has taken a long time but, according to Corriere della Sera, contract talks between Ferrari and Charles Leclerc have now begun. The Monegasque's DNS (did not start) in the Brazilian Grand Prix therefore comes at a hugely inopportune time for the Maranello-based racing team.
Leclerc will start his sixth season at Ferrari next year. For now, the 26-year-old driver's best finish in the World Championship was in 2022 and he won't be achieving the same in 2023. In 2019 (fourth), 2020 (eighth), 2021 (seventh) and 2023 (provisionally seventh), Leclerc finished much lower than he expected when he signed a contract with Ferrari in 2018 after a year at Alfa Romeo-Sauber.
Leclerc contract
The results have been disappointing in recent years, which has little to do with Leclerc's driving. The main problem lies with Ferrari, which just cannot get the car right. The five-time Grand Prix winner's contract expires after next year, and there is talk of a new commitment, but Leclerc is making tough demands.
Driving for Ferrari is a boyhood dream for Leclerc, but he wants guarantees for the future: to have a car that can compete for the world title. The Italian squad has shown in recent seasons that they have quality and can compete for wins, but being competitive and reliable for a whole season is something they must work on. It raises doubts for Leclerc, and it is up to Ferrari to dispel them.
Crash in Brazil
Meanwhile, according to the aforementioned Italian medium, more is also clear about how it could be that Leclerc crashed in the formation lap at the Interlagos circuit. Reportedly, the engine's self-protection system was activated following a report, and the power unit was, therefore, automatically switched off to prevent damage. Initial analysis would indicate that the engine can be used again, but more clarity on this will not follow until Las Vegas.