Hamilton's Successor? Toto Wolff admits Leclerc on Mercedes F1 radar

Leclerc on Mercedes' Radar

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has expressed interest in Charles Leclerc as a potential long-term option for his Formula 1 team, but has dismissed any immediate move for the Monegasque driver.

Speculation about Leclerc's future intensified in recent weeks, with rumors suggesting he was in talks with Mercedes as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton if he does not continue with the team next year.

Leclerc denied having any contact with Mercedes or Wolff, but intriguingly added the word "yet" at the end of his sentence.

Speaking at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Wolff also put to rest the rumors of an ongoing dialogue with the Ferrari driver.

However, he acknowledged the importance of keeping Leclerc in mind for the future, stating, "Charles is a super guy and, for the long-term future, someone you need to always have on your radar. And that's clear. But not for the short and the medium term."

No Recent Talks with Leclerc

Wolff clarified that the only time he had personally spoken to Leclerc recently was during a chance encounter at Melbourne airport after the Australian Grand Prix.

Leclerc's current contract with Ferrari is set to run until the end of the 2024 season, while Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mercedes expires at the end of this year.

"I think nobody doubts Charles' ability. He is a good guy," Wolff said. "The only time I talked with him was when we discussed where the gate is in Melbourne when we boarded the plane.

No contact otherwise. I think he's 100% committed and loyal to Ferrari with his contract. And in the same way, we are 100% committed to putting pen to paper with Lewis."

With Mercedes and Hamilton yet to negotiate a contract extension, the team's primary focus in recent weeks has been on resolving the issues they're facing with the W14.

Despite the team not being on track to win a drivers' championship this year, Wolff is confident that Mercedes can still provide Hamilton with the competitive car he desires.

"I think he feels very much that he's strong, and we feel the same," Wolff commented.

"We are not going to race for a drivers’ championship this year. That is what it looks like at the moment. And we just need to give him a car that can do that".

"Hopefully, we can get our package to a winning package this season and then have something that can bring him his eighth title."

A Strong Relationship with Hamilton

Wolff remains optimistic about the team's relationship with Hamilton, emphasizing their strong bond over the past decade.

He said, "I've no doubt that he's motivated to achieve that. So that's what he loves to do. That is his ability."

"We have a great relationship, personally myself with him and within the team. It's one of the strong pillars in the last 10 years. So we're in a really good place."