Charles Leclerc hints at future talks about replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Charles Leclerc has insisted there have been no talks with Mercedes about replacing Lewis Hamilton – but hinted that the situation could change.

A report in Italy claimed it was an open secret that Leclerc was speaking to Mercedes following Ferrari's difficult start to the 2023 season.

The Monegasque driver’s bid to win his maiden world championship this year has been derailed by two mechanical retirements from the opening three rounds.

And Hamilton's current contract with the Silver Arrows expires at the end of the season with the seven-time world champion yet to agree an extension.

But Leclerc, who is under contract with Ferrari until the end of next year, insisted he had not yet spoken to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“No, there have not been any conversations,” said Leclerc, before adding: “Not yet, not for the moment.

“For now, I am fully focused on the project I am in today – and that is Ferrari. For the future we will see, but I am fully confident in the Ferrari project.

Lewis Hamilton has yet to agree a new deal with Mercedes. AFP

“It has always been my dream to be in this team and my main priority is to win a world championship here so it [a move to Mercedes] is not in my mind.”

Asked whether he had directly spoken to Wolff, Leclerc replied: “No. Zero. Really zero. You all smile because you don’t believe me, but I promise.”

Leclerc has picked up just six points so far this season while Ferrari sit fourth in the constructors' championship and are already 97 points behind reigning champions Red Bull.

But the 25-year-old remains confident about the team’s ­future under new team principal Fred Vasseur, despite sporting director Laurent Mekies announcing on