Charles Leclerc addresses bombshell Ferrari exit rumour

Charles Leclerc has rubbished speculation in Italian media that he is looking to leave Ferrari, and that team boss Fred Vasseur's position is under threat.

Corriere della Sera claimed that Leclerc is growing unhappy at Ferrari's progress, and is seeking an exit from the Scuderia, whilst Gazetta dello Sport claimed that Vasseur's position could be under threat if performances do not improve.

Vasseur joined Ferrari ahead of the 2023 season, and came within 14 points of a first constructors' championship since 2008 last term, although the SF-25 machine has not proved as competitive as its predecessor. 

Reacting to the rumours after team-mate Lewis Hamilton scoffed at the claims, Leclerc also rubbished the idea that either he is looking to leave or Vasseur is under threat.

"I am very surprised, I mean, I have no idea where it is coming from," Leclerc responded when asked by media, including RacingNews365, for his thoughts on the rumours.

"So I'd rather just ignore it, and I've never said anything like this in the last few races. If anything, I keep saying how much I love the team and want to bring Ferrari back to the top, so I was surprised.

"We have a vision that all three of us, Fred, Lewis, and I, in order to try and get back to winning, and we've been working to put that together. This is our plan, and we shall stick to it.

"We are already putting ourselves under a lot of pressure, and then there are some rumours, which of course is not something which you want to hear, but the pressure is normal when you are working for Ferrari. 

"Second is not good enough, but we are all aware of it, so it is not like the outside pressure is having any influence on the pressure we put on ourselves.

"The team knows it is not good enough and that Ferrari should be winning, and that is what we are putting all of our efforts into, to try and bring Ferrari back to the top. 

"McLaren is stronger at the moment, and it is up to us to react, and we need to ignore what is said around the times, and obviously, there are times where you've got more rumours to deal with. 

"Mostly the questions are directed to certain topics, and it is not always nice, but I understand it, and it is how Ferrari is and has always been, so you've got to deal with it, but I don't think we are affected by it."