Charles Leclerc wants to succeed Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes F1?[F1-Gate.com]

Charles Leclerc is reportedly hoping to take over from Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes F1.

After a strong start to the 2022 season, the question arose whether Charles Leclerc’s position within the team would be better clarified when Ferrari dropped on points.

While rival Max Verstappen has a clear position within Red Bull, Ferrari executives did not want the season to take place with Charles Leclerc as the first driver.

Formulapassion.it reports that if Frédéric Vasseur is named Ferrari’s new team principal, he can be sincere in placing Charles Leclerc as first driver.

According to the site, Charles Leclerc is interested in a future at Mercedes F1 in the event of Lewis Hamilton’s retirement, so it is very urgent for Ferrari to keep Leclerc attached to the team.

Charles Leclerc’s current contract with Ferrari expires after 2024. Italian newspapers have pointed out that Frédéric Vasseur could be the right person to keep Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

Frédéric Vasseur, for example, knows how to manage the hierarchy to which Charles Leclerc aspires. Leclerc has known Vasseur since 2018, when he drove for Sauber. In addition, the couple maintains a good relationship with Leclerc’s manager and ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt’s son, Nicola Todt.

Charles Leclerc’s role is believed to have influenced the appointment of Frédéric Vasseur and, in turn, the sacking of Mattia Binotto.

Charles Leclerc was expected to be a driver capable of carrying Ferrari on his shoulders, but team owners never prioritized him.

Asked whether Ferrari lacked a hierarchy of drivers, Leclerc said: “That’s something I personally can’t control.”

“So I want to focus on the things I can control, like my driving. Those things are handled internally if I feel the need to.”

Some have concluded that these comments could appear as though Charles Leclerc is open-minded to leaving Ferrari once his current long-term contract expires.

“2024 is still a long way off,” said Charles Leclerc, hinting at the length of his current contract.

“There is still time with Ferrari”.

“This team has always been a dream of mine. My immediate goal is to win with Ferrari. Then we’ll see what happens. I’m happy here and I want to win with them.”