31 August 2023 , 05:00
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Charles Leclerc pledged his loyalty to Ferrari as he declared he would not swap places even with Max Verstappen in his pursuit of Formula 1 glory.
The Monegasque racer has made no secret of his desire to become a world champion. But the closest he has come was last year when he was Verstappen's chief title rival – until his championship charge fell apart as Ferrari suffered reliability problems and made a series of damaging strategy calls.
This year, again, his team is nowhere near the fight. There isn't a battle going on at all, with Red Bull head and shoulders above their competitors, but Ferrari will be disappointed to be behind both Aston Martin and Mercedes in the standings, while McLaren might yet leapfrog them if their surge continues.
Leclerc is out of contract at the end of next year and his future has been the subject of much speculation. His love for Ferrari is clear, having risen through the junior ranks while supported by the famous Italian marque before joining its F1 outfit.
But loyalty to a team is always tested when opportunities elsewhere might offer more chance of a title tilt. That said, he told Italian publication La Repubblica that he would not even swap his current seat for the trophy-laden opportunities that would come with Verstappen's place at Red Bull.
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"I would never change my position with him," said the 25-year-old. "Being a Ferrari driver has always been my dream, and becoming world champion with Ferrari is my goal. I love Ferrari, I believe in it like the first day and as long as it's like this, I'll be there.
"I don't have the car to fight Max right now, but I have no doubt my path is right. I will watch my career when I stop, but I have no regrets; I am happy in the Ferrari."
Leclerc went on to admit, though, that his beloved employer's current situation is not one in which he is likely to achieve his F1 ambitions. He added: "If there is hope to win a race? Every time I close the visor, I think only of victory. Realistically? It isn't easy at the moment.
"There is so much to improve. We need consistency – mainly to stay ahead of the teams that chase and aim for second place [in the] constructors'. Then, we will look for the unbeatable Red Bull."