Webber: Leclerc could be 'next one in the crosshairs'

©Ferrari

Former F1 driver Mark Webber warns that Charles Leclerc's fate at Ferrari could follow a similar path to teammate Sebastian Vettel in the years to come.

Leclerc hit the ground running at the Scuderia last year in only his second year of Formula 1. The Monegasque quickly gained an upper hand over Vettel in 2019 and would have won his second race with the Italian outfit in Bahrain save for an engine issue.

Leclerc clinched maiden wins at Spa and Monza that only strengthened his status inside the team while Vettel's stock trended down.

The German driver's underperformance has led the Scdueria to oust the four-time world champion from the House of Maranello for 2021, replacing him with current McLaren charger Carlos Sainz.

Leclerc is set to remain with Ferrari until the end of 2024, but Webber believes the 22-year-old's motivation could dwindle if the Scuderia fails to deliver on its promises.

"Keep an eye on Charles Leclerc," said the Channel 4 commentator. "I’m interested in him and the next few years [at Ferrari].

"It’s the honeymoon period now, but we’re going to be sitting here in the next 24 months, three years possibly saying Charles Leclerc could be quite tired too [of Ferrari].

"It’s a big, big undertaking to drive for Ferrari and he could be the next one in the crosshairs."

Read also: Ferrari needs 'structured plan', not revolution - Brawn

Leclerc's patience is already being tested amid a dismal season so far for the Scuderia. The Monegasque knows his ambitions are currently capped but vows to make the most of the challenging period.

"I've been struggling quite a bit, we've been struggling as a team this year quite a lot more, but surely I think we always learn more when you are going through a tough time," he said.

"It's up to us to keep our heads up, to stay motivated, which is the most difficult at the moment.

"But I have to be honest, driving for Ferrari is a motivation in itself, so I'm not sure I'm dealing that much with that.

"I'm usually motivated to do well, to turn a situation around. I have a long-term partnership with the team and I'm really looking forward to turning things around.

"Surely it's not the easiest of times at the moment but we are working hard to get back to the top."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.