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Charles Leclerc has admitted he hears the rumours about his future in Formula One. Many are tipping the 20-year-old reigning GP2 champion, under contract to Ferrari's driver academy, to replace Kimi Raikkonen next year.
Sebastian Vettel would prefer if Raikkonen stays, but the German did admit that Monaco-born Leclerc has been impressive at Sauber.
"He doesn't have the best car but he seems to be doing his job," said Vettel. "It's really impressive."
And championship leader Lewis Hamilton also thinks Leclerc has impressed in 2018.
"He does a great job with what he has, which is what you expect a good driver to do," said the Mercedes driver.
Former F1 driver and now GPDA president Alex Wurz continued: "He knows what he is doing.
"At some point, Ferrari has to think about the future," he told the ORF broadcaster. "He (Leclerc) is really good man and a promise for the future."
Sauber boss Frederic Vasseur agrees: "Charles is doing a perfect job."
Leclerc admits that the attention as well as the paddock rumours are reaching his ears.
"The rumours? I have found the mentality to focus on what I'm doing and not listen to what happens around me.
"But yes, I have heard the rumours," he added.
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (13)
Login to replytalktohenry
Posts: 362
After what he did in Canada, they need to get him in the Ferrari ASAP, it was like what Schumacher did in the 7up Jordan putting it in 7th when he started. This guy already highly rated, by me, but after Canada I think he's the next Max. His team mate has 84 grand prix starts and look at the comparison between them, it's unbelievable.
LECLERC
Points 11
Grands Prix entered 8
World Championships N/A
Highest race finish 6 (x1)
Highest grid position 8
ERICSSON
Points 11
Grands Prix entered 84
World Championships N/A
Highest race finish 8 (x1)
Highest grid position 9
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Leclerc is special. I just hope Ferrari don't snatch him up and put him next to Vettel. Ferrari has made it standard procedure to ruin young promising talent: Eddie Irvine, Rubens Barrichello, Felipe Massa. Each left Ferrari with
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
...their reputations severely diminished. It tends to happen when drivers are systematically demoralized to serve as subservient #2 drivers. At least they leave rich I guess.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
None of those 3 were special. Good drivers, sure, but that's it.
Leclerc will be fine at Ferrari sitting under the learning tree for a couple of years. It certainly won't ruin his career as he is perhaps the most exciting prospect to come along in years, maybe even including Max.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I honestly dont think placing Lec and Vet in the same team is a bad idea. It could in fact be a golden opportunity. If he get in, he can learn from one of the best.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
I think Leclerk is more than talented enough to make Vettel look quite average. Remember Vettel's last year at Red Bull vs Riccardo.
dr002
Posts: 141
I think Ferrari need two drivers who can both challenge for the championship. I do not believe Vettel is worthy of being in a position to dictate who he drives alongside, and is certainly not worthy of having a support driver as is currently the case.
As exciting as Leclerc is, it would not be reasonable, nor fair, to expect him to be in a position to be a championship contender, which is surely what Ferrari needs in order to compete with even a Hamilton / Bottas pairing.
Having Leclerc 'learn' under Vettel would be a disappointing waste of that Ferrari seat...... Please, please, please put someone in that seat that can challenge Vettel, and make him earn his position, and force him to prove that he has what it takes.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
I think he'd probably be better suited to stay at Sauber, or join HAAS. I don't think it helped Max' career to be fast tracked into the Red Bull. Had he finished the season at Toro Rosso, I think he'd been in a much better place to perform at Red Bull, from a mental standpoint.
That being said, if Leclerc does go to Ferrari next year, I think he'll do very well regardless
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
I agree, 1 step up next year, replace Grosjean at HAAS, and then take Kimi's seat at Ferrari
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Its not too bad of an idea to replace ailing mind of Mr.Grosjean behind the Haas's seat.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I agree, the move to RB, midseason at that, was rushed. But at this rate I dont think Leclerc going to Ferrari is a bad idea. Either way, Kimi has to go. And I think Grosjean is running out of time too.
talktohenry
Posts: 362
He's too quick for a Haas, he needs to be in a front running car, pointless wasting his talent down the grid, what this guy did in Canada and his results so far, bring him into the big time, he's one of the top guys now after mind blowing quai performance in Canada, simply - amazing.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
I to think that is truly impressive, however it should be noted that Sauber are definitely the most improved car on the grid.