Leclerc weighing up opportunities, but Ferrari remains 'first target'

Charles Leclerc says he'll consider any F1 offer for his services that may come his way, but the Monegasque says his "first target and first dream" is to remain with Ferrari after 2024.

Leclerc's current contract with the Scuderia will expire at the end of next season. As one of the most brilliant young talents in the sport, it's only logical for front-running teams to sound out the 25-year-old and perhaps table an offer for his services.

The five-time Grand prix winner is in the midst of another challenging season with Ferrari, with the Italian outfit's SF-23 no match for Red Bull's dominant RB19, but also outscored so far by its direct rivals Mercedes and Aston-Martin.

Leclerc's priority is to remain a long-term resident of the House of Maranello, but he says that it is only logical for to entertain offers from other outfits.

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"Of course, I think every driver has considered their different options, once they get the [possibility]," he explained in an interview with Motorsport.com.

"But I have a huge love of Ferrari. And my first target and my first dream is to become a world champion with Ferrari, more than anything else.

"So, if there's a slight opportunity for it to happen, I will have no doubt about pushing to stay here at least."

Leclerc admitted to Ferrari's disappointing campaign in 2023. But despite the shortfall, he remains committed to the team that he calls "home".

"It is clear, I think for everybody within the team, that we are not happy with the situation we are in today, in that we want to win," he said.

"But I love Ferrari. It feels like home to me. And I cannot say much more because there has been no discussion whatsoever apart from a few jokes here and there."

Earlier this summer, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur insisted that contract talks with Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were not at the top of his priorities, and that the future would be addressed in due time. .

Leclerc suggested that little has changed since.

"I just think it is not probably the priority at the moment: not for me, but neither for the team," he said. "We are just focusing on what's really important now.

"It is to be as competitive as quickly as possible again. And then we'll see. But again, I love Ferrari and it feels like home."

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