Charles Leclerc 'truth' questioned with 'intelligent choice' looming

Charles Leclerc has effectively been accused of pulling the wool over the eyes of his adoring Ferrari fans and only telling them what they want to hear.

Leclerc is one of the longest-serving Ferrari drivers, with 140 starts to his name, over seven seasons, yet despite being regarded as one of the greatest talents of the current generation, he remains without an F1 drivers' championship.

Over that period, Leclerc has scored just eight victories as he has yet to be given a car to consistently challenge for the title. In 2022, the Monégasque had an opportunity, but after a bright start, faded under the heavyweight challenge of Max Verstappen.

Following Ferrari's strong finish to last season, with the Scuderia falling 14 points short of landing its first constructors' title since 2008, it was expected to go toe-to-toe with McLaren again this year.

The SF-25, however, has had its difficulties and has been no match for the all-conquering MCL39. At present, going into F1's summer shutdown, Ferrari trails McLaren by a phenomenal 299 points.

It means another will have gone by for Leclerc without a title to his name, either for himself or for the team, and there is every likelihood he will also fail to win a grand prix this year.

Recently, Leclerc remarked that it was more important for him to make Ferrari successful again than to win a world title with other teams, a comment that has been strongly questioned by 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve.

"It's a nice message for his team and his fans, but I don't think it's true," said Villeneuve, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"A real driver wants to win above all else; that's the only thing he cares about.

"Being successful with Ferrari, when so many other champions have failed to do so, is even better.

"But an athlete's primary interest is always to win, and the years pass for him too, just like for his colleagues.

"They all have to make intelligent choices for their future."