Mercedes have an obvious replacement for Lewis Hamilton when he eventually retires in the form of Lando Norris, after Charles Leclerc made a commitment to Ferrari. Seven-time world champion Hamilton is expected to sign a multi-year contract extension with the Silver Arrows, which could delay his retirement until 2026.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is committed to Hamilton signing a new contract but has teased about the team’s plans when the British star retires. Leclerc finished a career-best second place in the Drivers’ Championship last season after taking 11 podiums, including three wins, and is thought to be an attractive option.
Leclerc is contracted with Ferrari until the end of next season but has reportedly had talks with Wolff. The Mercedes chief admitted that the 25-year-old was ‘on their radar’ but not in their short or medium-term plans.
Amid the Mercedes rumours Leclerc sent a clear message committing his future to Ferrari when talking to German outlet Bild. He said: “When I dream of being world champion one day, in my mind I wear a red racing suit and get out of a red car.
READ MORE: Charles Leclerc sends clear message to Mercedes as they plan for life after Lewis Hamilton
“Not every driver can say it openly, but I think every F1 driver would love to drive for Ferrari.” McLaren driver Norris is currently locked in a contract until the end of 2025 which has “zero exit clauses”, according to his boss Zak Brown.
The 23-year-old is in his fifth full season with McLaren but has rarely been able to compete for victory and has a career-best position of second which came at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. Norris has struggled for pace again this season and took a jab at the McLaren engineers over an upgrade they introduced for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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