Vasseur: Leclerc contract talks 'not a priority' for Ferrari

Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur says he has not given priority status to contract talks with Charles Leclerc, insisting there is ample time to address the matter.

Both Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz will see their contract with the Scuderia expire at the end of 2024. But speculation regarding the Monegasque's future is already in full swing.

Many believe that if Ferrari isn't able to take the title fight down to the wire this season, a frustrated Leclerc could take a keen interest in Mercedes.

Team boss Toto Wolff is likely to earmark the Ferrari driver as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton should the seven-time world champion decide to call it a day on his career in F1 at the end of 2025, or before.

©Ferrari

However, Vasseur has made clear that driver contracts are not at the forefront of Ferrari's current concerns.

"I know both drivers quite well, and I think we still have some time before we start talking about the future," said the new Scuderia boss last week.

"For me today this is not the number one priority.

"We have to start the season very well then there will be time for the rest, I think it would be a mistake to start negotiations at a time when the priority is another one."

Having mentored Leclerc during his formative years in motorsport and during his first season in F1 with Alfa Romeo/Sauber, Vasseur is close to the five-time Grand Prix winner.

Read also: Vasseur laughs off reports of Ferrari engine power gains

The Frenchman hinted that if team and driver are happy with each other, then the partnership will continue. But for now, Vasseur's immediate focus is on improving Ferrari's performance.

"I don’t want to put this topic on the table today, I think it wouldn’t be a good way to start the collaboration," explained Vasseur.

"We have to be focused on the sporting side, to get results. And it’s like for the wedding, if both sides of the table are happy with the situation, that we will continue.

"But I think it’s not the priority today. We have a good relationship. And we’ll have time to discuss about this.

"First, I think the only topic today, we have to be focused on pure performance and to get results."

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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.