Leclerc uneasy as Hamilton dismisses speculation regarding Ferrari's future.
"I have a long contract"
Even though Ferrari currently holds second place in the constructors’ standings, only slightly ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull, their season is still fraught with tension and speculation. Charles Leclerc, who has not yet secured a victory in 2025, is reportedly beginning to lose his patience. When asked if finishing as runner-up in the championship would be satisfactory for the team, he replied candidly:
"It's not sufficient, no.
"I believe that when you drive for such a team, winning is the only acceptable outcome."
The team's pressure has been heightened by rumors regarding its future driver lineup. Following Oliver Bearman's impressive fourth-place finish for Haas in Mexico, Italian media have indicated that the 20-year-old Ferrari junior could replace either Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton as early as 2027.
However, Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this season, dismissed the notion that the team would not consider extending his contract. "I have a long contract," he stated to reporters in Interlagos. "Usually, we start discussing an extension a year prior to the expiration, but that is still quite some time away."
Bearman also downplayed the speculation. "After one good weekend, they write this, but the previous race didn’t meet expectations, so they say the opposite. The media loves to create headlines.
"Certainly, the weekend was fantastic and I’m very pleased, but I’m not particularly interested in these rumors."
Meanwhile, when asked about Felipe Massa’s ongoing legal battle regarding the 2008 title, Hamilton responded, "I have no opinion on the situation," to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don’t read anything and I know nothing, as this doesn’t concern me. Whatever Felipe’s reasons may be, I’m sure he believes in them. As for myself, I’m focused on my work."
Regarding Ferrari’s current direction, Hamilton remains cautiously optimistic: "I feel that the progress we’re making is placing me in the position I desire, which is very important.
"Next year, I’ll be involved in the car’s development, so I can only hope for a successful season."
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