Charles Leclerc has confirmed that prior to signing his new contract extension with Ferrari, he received offers from rival teams. Despite this, Leclerc emphasized that staying with Ferrari was his preferred choice.
Contract Extension with Ferrari
Leclerc’s announcement came just days before the Monaco Grand Prix, where he will compete in front of his home crowd. The extension of his contract signifies a commitment to Ferrari for the coming seasons, reinforcing the partnership that began in 2016 when he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy.
Leclerc’s Career Progression
After making his Formula 1 debut with Sauber in 2018, Leclerc transitioned to Ferrari for his second season in 2019. Over his career with Ferrari, he has achieved significant milestones, including eight race victories and 27 pole positions.
Interest from Rival Teams
During a media event in Monaco, Leclerc acknowledged the interest from other teams. When asked about these offers, he stated, “There were, yes,” but declined to reveal the names of those teams. He reassured fans, saying, “For me, Ferrari was always the choice.”
Reasons for Staying with Ferrari
Leclerc elaborated on his decision, highlighting his strong connection with the team. “I love the team – I think that’s pretty obvious from the outside,” he remarked. He has spent eight years with the Formula 1 team and ten years with Ferrari overall.
- Leclerc praised Ferrari for being among the first to believe in his potential.
- He expressed confidence in team principal Fred Vasseur, stating that he believes Vasseur can help reclaim Ferrari’s status at the top.
- Leclerc pointed out that while the season has started positively, there’s room for improvement, particularly in engine performance.
As Ferrari works on innovations for their car and develops a plan for improvement, Leclerc’s loyalty to the team and belief in their project remain strong. His commitment to Ferrari is clear, placing his trust in its future direction.
