Charles Leclerc says he has given very little thought so far to his F1 future beyond 2024, admitting to only holding trivial talks "here and there" with Ferrari over an extension of his contract with the Italian outfit.
Leclerc is contracted to the Scuderia until the end of 2024. But his team's inability this year to challenge Red Bull and the frustrations expressed by the Monegasque have inevitably led to questions about Leclerc's future.
Also fueling the speculation were rumors that emerged last month linking the Ferrari driver to Mercedes, hearsay that was rubbished in short order by Leclerc.
"Slowly. We’re starting slowly to speak about it, yes," said the 25-year-old when asked if contract starts had been initiated with Ferrari.
"To be honest, it’s not really on my mind yet. When I say we slowly started talking about it, it’s just here and there, but nothing special, nothing specific."
Leclerc later specified that the early talks had been trivial in nature, "just jokes here and there – nothing formal or specific".
The Scuderia charger was then asked if he would be keeping his options open regarding his future in F1 beyond 2024.
"I love Ferrari, so I’m happy here. I’m not saying that [I want to keep my options open]," he explained.
"Ferrari has been the team that has helped me to get to where I am. [I’ve] never hidden that I’ve always been extremely happy to be in Ferrari.
"Of course, the team and I are not happy with where we are at the moment, but I think we’re all working in the right direction.
"And I am confident that we are working in the right direction. And, again, I love Ferrari, so I’m happy here."
Leclerc acknowledged that the media speculation surrounding his future is a first for him, having previously enjoyed "straightforward" situations with Sauber and the Scuderia.
"It's probably the first time in my career that I’m in this position," he said. "All of the other changes I’ve made until now – basically Sauber to Ferrari was quite straightforward.
"So, it is a different situation I find myself in in my career. But I don’t mind – I’m just focusing on driving, I just hope to win as quickly as possible in Ferrari for now and then we will see."
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