Ferrari is heading into the 2023 season with a lot of expectations and one massive change. No, we are not talking about the change in management with Frederic Vasseur. We are talking about the change in mentality that the Scuderia is bringing into the 2023 season. This exact change in mentality has also affected the drivers. Charles Leclerc felt it first when his new team boss talked about the team’s priorities ahead of the new season.

Speaking to GP Fans, Frederic Vasseur discussed the team’s expectations and goals for the upcoming season. However, when asked to discuss Leclerc’s contract situation, Vasseur immediately threw the topic out of the window. The Frenchman wanted to discuss high-priority topics and Leclerc’s contract situation, which ends at the end of 2024, did not make the cut.

When asked about Leclerc’s contract, he said, “I don’t want to put this topic on the table today. It wouldn’t be a good way to start the collaboration.”

“We have to be focused on the sporting side to get results. But it’s like a wedding – if both sides of the table are happy with the situation then we will continue. But it’s not the priority. We have a good relationship, and we will have time to discuss about this. The only topic today is we have to be focused on pure performance and get results.”

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Despite what most believe about Leclerc’s chances of winning the championship, the team and the Monegasque are confident in their championship challenge.

However, if the Monegasque does not outperform his teammate, there might not be a championship challenge to put up.

The new Ferrari boss throws favoritism out of the window as Charles Leclerc must prove himself in 2023

Vasseur also talked about the team’s lead driver situation. As per the new boss and as of now, there is no lead driver in the team as both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will get equal opportunities to prove themselves.

In fact, the Frenchman is a big fan of Sainz and even tried to sign him on multiple occasions. “When I was at Renault, I started a discussion with him and his management to attract him, and when I was at Sauber I tried to sign him again, without success,” confirmed Vasseur.

The boss is putting his faith in Sainz. “I trust him, and he’s shown the last couple of years he is a potential winner, which is very important for the team,” he added

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The race for the lead driver in the Ferrari garage is on and the results of the 2023 season will determine who the team pushes forward. It’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top in the new season as Ferrari mounts their challenge against the favorites Red Bull.