Leclerc Rebuffs Vettel Exit Talk

Charles Leclerc has played down reports that Sebastian Vettel may quit Ferrari or Formula 1, claiming he is “more motivated then ever”.

There has been growing speculation that the four-time world champion could depart the Scuderia at the end of 2019, while reports of the team vying to bring in the likes of Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas to pair up with Leclerc has only served to fan the flames.

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Leclerc is in his first season with the Italian team, having replaced Kimi Raikkonen, and he is only 18 points adrift of Vettel in the Drivers Championship standings after nine races. It is being suggested that the German could depart if he finishes behind the 21-year-old Monegasque driver this year, something Leclerc has rebuffed.

“I cannot see him stopping,” he told Sport Bild. “I do not speak for him, but he looks more motivated than ever, and he’s working very hard to do his best for the team. “It’s nice to see how he works,” Leclerc added.

“I think he handles the pressure well, because when you have won all the titles he’s won, there is always pressure. “I think if I beat him, it’s still not a reason that would make him stop.”