Charles Leclerc ‘always on the radar’ for Mercedes but not a current priority says Toto Wolff

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has said that a driver like Charles Leclerc is someone that is “always on the radar” but admitted that the Monegasque driver is not a priority for his team at the moment. Leclerc, 25, is the subject of intense speculation regarding his future at Ferrari, with the Italian giants regularly failing to provide him with a car that can compete with world champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Ad Leclerc’s contract with Ferrari expires after the 2024 season and there has been no movement on a new deal, leading to the speculation that he might look elsewhere.

Azerbaijani Grand PrixPerez claims second win of season with Azerbaijan Grand Prix success30/04/2023 AT 10:39 The pressure is on Ferrari to show Leclerc that they can provide a car that can compete, particularly with the new engine regulations coming into effect in 2026. That has naturally led to links to other teams, including Mercedes given that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is yet to sign a new deal with the team. Speaking at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Wolff admitted you have to be aware of what is going on with Leclerc, but that their priority at the moment is extending Hamilton.

“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. “I think nobody doubts Charles' ability.