Charles Leclerc wants to succeed Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes F1?[F1-Gate.com]

Charles Leclerc is reportedly hoping to take over Lewis Hamilton’s position at Mercedes F1.

After an excellent start to the 2022 season, the question arose as to whether Charles Leclerc’s position within the team would be better clarified when Ferrari dropped points.

While rival Max Verstappen has a clear position within Red Bull, Ferrari executives did not want the season to unfold with Charles Leclerc as first driver.

Formulapassion.it reports that if Frédéric Vasseur is appointed as Ferrari’s new team principal, he can be candid about placing Charles Leclerc as first driver.

According to the site, Charles Leclerc is interested in a future at Mercedes F1 should Lewis Hamilton retire, so it is very urgent for Ferrari to keep Leclerc tied to the team.

Charles Leclerc’s current contract with Ferrari expires after 2024. Italian newspapers have stressed that Frédéric Vasseur could be the right person to keep Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

Frédéric Vasseur, for example, knows how to handle the hierarchy that Charles Leclerc aspires to. Leclerc has known Vasseur since 2018 when he drove for Sauber. Additionally, the pair maintain a good relationship with Leclerc’s manager and former Ferrari boss Jean Todt’s son, Nicola Todt.

Charles Leclerc’s role is believed to have influenced the appointment of Frédéric Vasseur and, in turn, the dismissal of Mattia Binotto.

Charles Leclerc was expected to be a driver who could carry Ferrari on his back, but he was never prioritized by team owners.

Asked if Ferrari lacked a driver hierarchy, Leclerc said: “That’s something I personally cannot control.”

“So I want to focus on the things I can control, like my driving. Those things are handled internally if I feel I need to.”

Some have concluded that these comments may sound like Charles Leclerc is open-minded about leaving Ferrari once his current long-term contract expires.

“2024 is still a long way off,” said Charles Leclerc, hinting at the length of his current contract.

“There’s still time left with Ferrari.”

“This team has always been a dream of mine. My immediate goal is to win with Ferrari. Then we’ll see what happens. I’m happy here and I want to win with them. ”