Ferrari Luminary Luca di Montezemolo Strongly Supports Charles Leclerc Amidst Formula 1 Silly Season Buzz
Former Chairman's Endorsement Underscores Leclerc's Vital Role in Ferrari and Navigating Current Performance Challenges
Ferrari’s Former Chairman Endorses Charles Leclerc’s Steadfast Role within the Team amid Silly Season Speculations
Amid the ceaseless swirl of silly season rumors in the world of Formula 1, Ferrari’s former chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, has resolutely thrown his support behind Charles Leclerc’s unswerving position within the team. With a unique insight into the team’s dynamics, di Montezemolo’s voice adds weight to the ongoing debate over Leclerc’s future.
Previously, whispers circulated that the Monegasque driver might be engaged in discussions with Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff, ostensibly seeking a potential seat as his Ferrari contract’s expiration approaches at the close of 2024. However, Leclerc himself has been unambiguous about his aspiration to clinch a championship with the venerable Maranello-based outfit.
“Charles I would definitely want to keep, he is good and, in my opinion, there are no stronger drivers than him available at the moment.
“But currently, whoever is driving the red car is the least of the team’s problems.”
Even as the team grapples with challenges throughout the current season, di Montezemolo ardently advocates for retaining Leclerc. His perspective gains clarity in an interview with Quotidiano Sportivo, where he articulated, “In this ever-evolving landscape, continuity plays a pivotal role. Charles possesses the talent and determination required to forge ahead and lead Ferrari to renewed glory.”
Revisiting his tenure at the helm of the team, di Montezemolo juxtaposed past successes with present struggles, subtly hinting at the team’s current performance. He elaborated, “My years overseeing Ferrari were marked by unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, as we navigate rough waters, it’s crucial to remain steadfast and harness the potential residing within the team.”
“When I was the president, I created a dream team with Schumacher to Todt, from Brawn to Byrne. Look, as a fan, I don’t dream of a Ferrari that always wins, but that always fights for the title right up to the last race of the season, like in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
“You can lose, but as a protagonist, not as a secondary player.”
Presently, Leclerc finds himself in fifth place within the drivers’ standings, amassing a commendable 99 points. In tandem, his teammate Carlos Sainz occupies the seventh position, accumulating 92 points, a testament to Ferrari’s resilience in the face of adversity.
As the Formula 1 summer hiatus draws to a close, anticipation mounts for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled from August 25th to 27th. A crescendo of engines and a flurry of action await at this pivotal juncture, promising fans an electrifying spectacle that only Formula 1 can deliver.
