Charles Leclerc denies rumors related to negotiations with Mercedes

Leclerc has only scored six points from three races so far, retiring twice.

A year ago, he won two of the first three races and was second in the other, before Ferrari’s performances suffered due to lack of reliability, a failed strategy and driver errors.

“No, there has been no conversation. Not yet. Not for the moment,” the Monegasque told reporters in Baku, when asked about speculation in the Italian media that his talks with former champion Mercedes would be a top secret.

“For now, I am fully focused on the project I am in today, which is Ferrari and in which I have full confidence and I am confident for the future. Then we will see, but I am fully confident in the project at Ferrari.

“It’s always been a dream for me to be in this team and my main priority is to win a world championship with this team. So I don’t have anything else in mind now.

“I am fully committed to Ferrari and I love Ferrari.”

Asked if Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had called him, Leclerc replied: “No, zero. Zero. Absolutely zero. You’re all smiling because you don’t believe me, but I promise you.”

Leclerc is under contract until the end of 2024 and Mercedes is in talks to extend the contract of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who turns 39 next January and whose current deal expires at the end of this year.

Hamilton, who finished second in the previous race in Australia, said speculation over Leclerc’s future had no impact on him.

“I like where I am, I love my team and I’m grateful for the journey we’ve taken and what we’re working on moving forward,” he told reporters, quoted by Reuters.