Charles Leclerc says he is confident over Ferrari’s future in Formula 1 despite two high-profile exits from the team and a challenging start to the 2023 campaign.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Assistant Team Principal Laurent Mekies would replace Franz Tost as AlphaTauri’s boss in 2024.
The news follows last month’s revelation that one of Ferrari’s chief engineers, David Sanchez, had departed the team ahead of a return to McLaren next year.
The exits come amid a difficult period for Ferrari, who was hopeful of taking a further step forward this year after returning to the top step of the podium in 2022.
However, Leclerc has retired from two of the opening three rounds with the SF23 car yet to deliver a podium result.
“I mean, let’s be honest, if we are speaking on track, first of all, the performance is not where we want it to be the first part of the season,” Leclerc said.
“The first three races for me was a disaster. But these three weeks I think was good to reset, to look a little bit at the things where we can optimize the package that we have that for now, it is what it is. We’ve been working on that.”
Leclerc insists that Ferrari is supportive of Mekies’ departure to AlphaTauri as he receives a step up in responsibilities at the Red Bull sister team.
“Then off track, of course, there is a restructuring for for the team and that’s clear.
“We had a really good relationship with Laurent. But we all understand I think, in the team that this opportunity is right to take, as it’s a really good opportunity for Laurent. So it’s like this.
“But the team is more than one person. And I’m very confident for the future with Fred [Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal] having what he has in mind. I’m really confident.”
Vasseur was a new arrival at Ferrari in 2023, leaving his role at Alfa Romeo to lead the Italian squad.
Leclerc says that he has been given assurances over the team’s direction by Vasseur, which has settled his confidence in the outfit.
“Yes, I think he has been open with what he wants to achieve and the way he wants to achieve it,” he said.
“And this gives me the confidence probably more than ever. So, as much as obviously it’s moving. I’m confident for the future.”
