Leclerc confirms multiple offers from rivals before signing new Ferrari deal

Charles Leclerc has confirmed that he received offers from rival teams before signing his new contract extension with Ferrari, though the Monegasque admitted that staying with the Scuderia was “always the choice”.

Just days before he competes in his home race at the Monaco Grand Prix, it was announced that Leclerc will remain with Ferrari “for the coming seasons” after agreeing a new multi-year deal.

It marks the continued partnership between the two sides, which began when Leclerc joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016. Following his debut F1 season in 2018 with Sauber, a move to Ferrari followed for his sophomore campaign one year later.

Since then, Leclerc has scored eight race wins and 27 pole positions – a pedigree that seemingly attracted the attentions of some of the squad’s competitors.

When asked during Thursday’s media day in Monaco if there had been other options available before signing his new Ferrari contract, the 28-year-old answered: “There were, yes.”

Pushed further on whether he could name the candidates, Leclerc added: “No, I'm not going to say. They can say it if they want. But yeah, for me, Ferrari was always the choice.”

Leclerc also shared details on why he ultimately chose to stay with the Scuderia, admitting that the decision was “very clear” to him.

“I love the team – I think that's pretty obvious from the outside,” he explained. “It’s been eight years with the Formula 1 team, 10 years with Ferrari as a whole. They've been one of the first people to believe in me and to help me to get to where I am today.

“And I believe in the project, most of all. I think with Fred [Vasseur], we have a very, very good relationship, and I strongly believe that he's the person that will be able to bring Ferrari back to the top.

“It's been a good start to the season, obviously not as good as what we would want, because we want to target the World Championship, but there's been a lot of innovation on the car. And I think in terms of, we know where we are lacking, and that's probably more the engine side.

“We've got a plan coming up, and hopefully it will help us to get back to where we want to be. But why, it's because I love this team and because I believe in the project, and for these two reasons, that's why we continue together.”