Charles Leclerc Confirms Rival F1 Interest Before New Ferrari Deal

Charles Leclerc confirmed that rival Formula 1 teams approached him before he signed a new long-term Ferrari contract. The 28-year-old, now in his eighth season with the Scuderia, declined to name the interested parties but insisted that staying in Maranello was his only real option.

Why it matters:

Leclerc's extension settles a major piece of the driver market and gives Ferrari crucial stability as it chases success under the 2026 regulations. After his manager Nicholas Todt last year hinted at a possible exit if the team failed to deliver a title-capable car, Leclerc's commitment reinforces his deep ties to the Scuderia.

The details:

• Speaking in Monaco, Leclerc acknowledged the approaches but said unequivocally, "Ferrari was always the choice."
• The new deal, announced earlier this week, quashed months of speculation that he could trigger an exit clause eight years into his tenure without a sustained championship fight.
• Career Arc: The Monegasque joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016, won GP3 and F2 titles, and debuted in F1 with Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo before his 2019 promotion to the Scuderia.
• Form: He has finished in the championship top three twice, taking second in 2022 and third in 2024.
• This Season: Leclerc has scored two podiums in 2026 and sits third in the standings, 56 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. His most recent win came at the 2024 United States Grand Prix.

What's next:

Leclerc says his love for Ferrari is profound, but he stopped short of guaranteeing he will finish his career there. At 28, he maintains that remaining loyal feels right today, yet acknowledges that life in five to ten years is impossible to predict. For Ferrari, the priority now is delivering a championship-caliber car that makes his long-term faith look justified.