Leclerc ‘talking to Mercedes’ as huge doubt cast over Hamilton future

Charles Leclerc holding talks with Mercedes is an ‘open secret’ within the F1 paddock, according to reports in Italy. Silver Arrows star Lewis Hamilton is out of contract at the end of this season and speculation on his future refuses to subside, while some have urged him to move on in search of an eighth world title.

Neither Hamilton nor Leclerc will be satisfied with their current situations as both Mercedes and Ferrari trail Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championships. The Brit came agonisingly close to an eighth world title in 2021, which would have put him top of the all-time charts, but he has not won a Grand Prix since.

Ending his drought this season may still require a slice of luck as Red Bull stars Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have won all three races between them so far. Leclerc has also been left frustrated by Ferrari’s nightmare start under new boss Frederic Vasseur.

The Monegasque driver could be putting together a back-up plan if things don’t improve in Maranello as Italian journalist Leo Turrini claims that talks are ongoing between Mercedes and the F1 star.

“Leclerc talking to Mercedes is an open secret,” he explained in a piece for Quotidiano Nazionale. “Everyone knows it, from the remote garage in Maranello to the Indian Ocean.”

“[Hamilton’s current team-mate, George] Russell is very, very strong. But if Hamilton were to stop, whoever pays in Stuttgart might not accept another [Valtteri] Bottas alongside a driver who is not yet a world champion.”

Hamilton previously admitted that it would be a ‘dream‘ to drive for Ferrari, but he has publicly maintained in recent months that he intends to finish his career with Mercedes, whom he joined in 2013.

Furthermore, Turrini poured cold water on claims that a move could be on the cards, explaining: “I know that Hamilton has never been close to the red team. There was never a deal. Never.”