Ferrari chairman says there’s no reason why 26-year-old driver can’t be world champion one day

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Ferrari chairman John Elkann has admitted he sees no reason why Charles Leclerc can’t be a Formula 1 world champion one day.

Elkann was speaking to BBC Sport during the Las Vegas Grand Prix where the Monegasque driver once again impressed.

Charles Leclerc hasn’t had the best of luck when starting from pole position this season.

He’s failed to convert any of his five starts from the front of the grid into a race win in 2023.

Even when he’s started on the front row he’s had no luck, careening into the barriers on the formation lap in Brazil when his car failed.

However, the 26-year-old is exceptionally quick and arguably the best qualifier on the grid right now.

Elkann has suggested that there’s no reason why Leclerc can’t be a world champion one day.

He was tied into a long-term contract with Ferrari in 2019 that expires at the end of next season.

The last thing Elkann and Ferrari will want is for his head to be turned next year by a stronger package ahead of a large set of rule changes coming in 2026.

In the history of Formula 1, drivers have scrambled to try and earn a seat with the Italian giants.

If they can’t produce a championship-winning car soon then the likes of Leclerc might look elsewhere to fulfil their ambitions.

Elkann thinks Leclerc has potential to be world champion

Speaking about the five-time race winner, Elkann said: “Charles is a very strong pilot who has huge potential and there is no reason why he wouldn’t be world champion.

“We believe our pilots are very strong and have very strong potential. What is important is to be able to work to convert that potential into real outcomes.”

Leclerc has been associated with Ferrari for a long time now and even though his contract is coming up for renewal, it would be a surprise if he decided to move on.

If Elkann thinks Leclerc has the potential to be a world champion then a new contract should be easy enough to negotiate.

He was gutted not to have taken his first victory of the season in Las Vegas but easily outdrove teammate Carlos Sainz.

It’s up to the team to provide him with a car that’s capable of challenging Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

Right now, it seems impossible to imagine anyone getting close to the Dutchman in the near future.