Mika Hakkinen shares ‘selfish’ reason Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari contract was not based on loyalty

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Mika Hakkinen has downplayed the notion that Charles Leclerc re-signed for Ferrari out of his loyalty to the iconic Italian brand, noting how F1 drivers often have to be ‘selfish’ when it comes to career choices.

Ahead of his disappointing home Grand Prix last weekend, Ferrari announced an extension of Charles Leclerc’s contract with the team, which is likely to see the 28-year-old race in red well into his 30s.

Of course, it was a big topic over the course of the race weekend. Despite holding talks with rival F1 teams, Leclerc asserted his loyalty to Maranello, rubbishing any rumours of a potential switch in the weeks leading up to the announcement.

Nearly 20 years on from the Scuderia’s last title in the pinnacle of single-seater motor racing, the Monegasque continues to believe that he will end Ferrari’s title drought and bring a smile to the face of their beloved Tifosi.

• READ MORE: Ex-Ferrari team principal shares why some team members opposed Charles Leclerc signing

Mika Hakkinen downplays Charles Leclerc re-signing for Ferrari due to loyalty in ‘selfish’ claim

During an interview with F1.com inside the Monaco Grand Prix paddock, two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen was asked for his thoughts on Leclerc’s decision to remain with Ferrari for the foreseeable future.

He applauded the decision to remain with an outfit that he knows in and out, but questioned whether the ultimate decision came down to his loyalty to the Italian brand, or because he genuinely believes Ferrari will give him a car worthy of a world title soon.

If Charles Leclerc wasn’t a Ferrari driver, which F1 team would you like to see him at?

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Using his own past experiences in the sport at McLaren, the Finnish legend said, “This is a very cruel world. It’s a business. You need to be selfish, in one sense.

“I didn’t feel, for example, after my accident, like I had to stay with McLaren… For me, it was obvious to be with McLaren. But Formula 1 is a calculated operation. Your management has to do the right thing. You have to trust them.”

Felipe Massa had hoped that Leclerc’s new deal would have given him an extra sense of motivation at the Monaco Grand Prix, which ended up finishing in disaster as he crashed out of the race upon a late safety car restart.

On top of that, teammate Lewis Hamilton looked to have been the more comfortable driver over the course of the entire weekend for the third consecutive Grand Prix.

Despite that, Hakkinen is confident that Leclerc could piece together a world championship-winning campaign if given the right tools, even if his own loyalties lie with McLaren through his role as a brand ambassador for the Woking-based outfit.

• READ MORE: ‘Many in F1’ have already made up their minds about Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari extension

“I’m a brand ambassador for Formula 1, but I’m also a brand ambassador for McLaren,” he continued. “So… I wish him all the best, but Charles is a great personality, a great guy.

“I wish he could one day be a world champion. I think it would be great, of course, for him. He’s been working very hard for years. It would be great for Monaco and, of course, for Ferrari.”