Leclerc prefers to play down ‘dream’ Ferrari move reports

Charles Leclerc says he has no interest in focusing on his Formula 1 future and a potential move to Ferrari after recent reports linked him to a ‘dream’ move to the Italian manufacturer in 2019.

The Alfa Romeo Sauber driver has starred during his rookie F1 campaign with three points finishes from the opening seven races so far this year, while ahead of the French Grand Prix he became the first driver to break into Q3 for the Swiss team since the 2015 Italian Grand Prix.

Speculation has continued to grow linking the 20-year-old with a possible move up to Ferrari from as early as next season, to replace Kimi Raikkonen alongside Sebastian Vettel, and despite calling the switch a ‘dream’ he wants to solely focus on the current campaign for Sauber.

“Ferrari is a dream since I was a child,” Leclerc said. “I’ve always dreamed and I always dream of one day being part of this team, but again I will repeat myself that I think it’s very important for me to not distract myself with what could possibly happen next year.

“It’s really an honour for me to see the name Ferrari and Leclerc in the same sentence because it’s a dream since I was a child like any driver I guess.

“For now I think it’s very important for me to focus on this year and try to deliver as much as possible this year, and then we’ll see what happens next year.”

Leclerc also continued to earn praise from four-time F1 world champion Vettel following his qualifying performane at Paul Ricard, with the German driver keeping a close eye on the Ferrari protégé’s progress at Sauber.

“I didn’t see in Q3 but obviously eighth is an impressive result,” Vettel said. “I think they are still quite a long way behind with the car so I think for him, he’s doing the job. It’s good for him and good for Sauber as well, to be up there.”