Baku, CMC: Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton brushed aside reports on Friday claiming Charles Leclerc had spoken with Mercedes about replacing him.
Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, Hamilton, the British race car driver with Grenadian roots, said it was expected that drivers would “have relationships” with other Formula 1 team bosses. Still, it did not mean anything significant was happening and had no impact on his future with the team.
The reports come amid ongoing discussions between Hamilton and Mercedes over a contract extension, with no guarantees that the 38-year-old will sign new terms beyond this season, in light of the team’s slump in form and his ambition to win a record-breaking eighth title.
When asked about the Leclerc to Mercedes rumors and whether they impact getting a new deal over the line, Hamilton said: “No, not really. I think maybe some of the drivers have relationships with different [team] bosses and stuff.
“I like where I am, I love my team, and I’m grateful for the journey we’ve been on and what we’re working on moving forward, so it doesn’t have any impact.”
Leclerc said he remained “fully committed” to Ferrari and achieving his dream of winning a world championship.
His future came under scrutiny in the Italian press during the April break, with the Monegasque and Ferrari enduring a difficult start to the 2023 season – one that is yet to yield a podium for driver or team.
Asked about the speculation and whether he has spoken to Mercedes, Leclerc said: “No, not yet, not for the moment. For now, I am entirely focused on the project I am on, which is Ferrari. I fully trust, and I am confident about the future. Then we will see, but I am delighted with the Ferrari project.
“I’m fully committed to Ferrari, and I love Ferrari. It has always been my dream to be in this team, and my main priority is to win a world championship with this team, so it’s not something in my mind.”
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