Debate | Ferrari should only retrain Leclerc as a last option

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari had once hoped to form a very successful partnership. That it is still the hope. But whereas the dream seemed so close on numerous occasions, it now appears to be slipping further and further away. Reports suggest Leclerc and Ferrari are in talks to extend the driver's contract, which expires after the 2024 Formula 1 season. That could well be Ferrari's big mistake.

The next Schumacher, not to be

There was so much hype around Leclerc in 2019. Understandable hype as well. There was so much hype that Ferrari changed tactics and opted for a very young and inexperienced driver alongside Sebastian Vettel. The man from Monaco even beat Vettel in his first season at Ferrari. That said a lot about Leclerc, and Ferrari's future looked promising then. However, as time moves on, it's looking more and more like it said more about Vettel.

It was hoped a long partnership could be formed between Leclerc and Ferrari. The next Michael Schumacher/Ferrari relationship. It has yielded just five wins, three of which came in the first half of 2022. No wins in 2020, 2021, and so far 2023.

Leclerc has been teammates with Carlos Sainz for three seasons now. The Spaniard got the better of Leclerc in his first season at the team and is currently ahead in the 2023 World Championship. With two races remaining, there is a difference of 22 points, so something strange would have to happen (in both races) for the order to swap.

To add to that, when Red Bull had a rare weekend off [Singapore], it was Sainz who took advantage with a fantastic drive. Leclerc was less than a tenth off, but it meant a second-row start. The fine margins matter at Ferrari and one wonders whether Leclerc would've been smart enough to give Lando Norris DRS to defend against the charging Mercedes. Let alone remain cool enough under the intense pressure.

Development path

As alluded to above, Ferrari rolled out of the garage in 2022 with a decent car. They won some races, and there was even hope of a Leclerc vs. Verstappen title fight until the French Grand Prix. The Italian team simply couldn't develop their concept as much as Red Bull. Of course, fingers can be pointed at the development team, the engineers and the staff back at the factory. But sometimes, it's also on the driver. Sometimes, you have to look in the mirror. Are the directions given from the cockpit good enough? Only Ferrari themselves will truly know that, but it has to be highlighted and questioned.

There's been so much water under the bridge. There was so much radio disagreement. So many promises that things will improve. But nothing has really come true for Ferrari or Leclerc. The big point still hasn't been touched upon.

Crashes

How often do you see the top drivers crash in practice and qualifying? It's very, very rare. Lewis Hamilton had a (small) crash in practice at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend in 2023. That's about it. It simply doesn't happen, or at least regularly, to Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, George Russell or Fernando Alonso.

It's a common occurrence for Leclerc. Self-inflicted crashes in pointless sessions. There are so many that there is a seven-minute compilation video on YouTube of all his crashes in a Ferrari car. Those in practice hurt more. There have been plenty of free practice crashes since 2021 and at least four qualifying crashes since 2021, three of which (counting the Sprint shootout) came in 2023.

Is it a sign he is pushing too hard? Possibly. Is it a sign he cracks under pressure? Possibly. Is it both? Probably. Either way, you simply can't do that if you want to be a top driver. Sometimes, youth and inexperience can be blamed. But then comes the next question. When will Leclerc learn? He recently turned 26. He will start his seventh F1 season in 2024.

Counter argument

Ferrari are not blameless. They haven't given Leclerc a car that can compete with Red Bull. Relative to the competition, they have stepped backwards. In 2022, they were clearly second to Red Bull. Now they have dropped behind McLaren, sometimes behind Mercedes and sometimes behind Aston Martin. Therefore, Leclerc's move from P2 in the championship to a likely P7 can't be blamed on him.

And perhaps if Ferrari wants to try someone else, is anyone ready? Alex Albon, potentially. Pierre Gasly? Valtteri Bottas? Ultimately, there's not much excitement surrounding those names that Ferrari really need. Let us know in the poll where you stand!