Charles Leclerc in demand by F1 rivals: ‘Other options were on the table’

Charles Leclerc in demand by F1 rivals: ‘Other options were on the table’

Charles Leclerc extended his contract with Ferrari in the run-up to his home race in Monaco. The 28-year-old Golden Boy from Maranello spoke of a ‘multi-year agreement’. During the official FIA press conference, he explained that he has great confidence in the current Ferrari project and particularly in team boss Fred Vasseur. Moreover, he revealed that he had also received offers from other teams, but that his heart always lies with Ferrari.

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“Why did I extend my contract? Because I love this team and still believe in this project,” Leclerc responded when asked. “We want to fight for the world title together. Additionally, I fully agree with Fred’s (Vasseur, ed.) vision. This is the first car developed entirely under his leadership and in close cooperation with the team, and we already see how much innovation is in it. Long-term plans are in place. Of course, as a team, we want to win as quickly as possible, but it is precisely this long-term vision that gives me more confidence in Ferrari than ever before.”

Ferrari Dream

In recent years, Leclerc has experienced his share of highs and lows. He is now the Ferrari driver with the second-highest number of Grand Prix starts and will soon even break Michael Schumacher’s record. However, the legendary German won five world titles with the Scuderia, while Leclerc has ‘only’ managed to win eight Grands Prix so far. Is his love for Ferrari greater than his hunger for success? “I love this team very much, but as a driver, you naturally want to win,” he admitted. “However, my dream has always been to win in red. After all, Ferrari has supported me from day one.”

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Asked if other teams had shown interest in his services, Leclerc confirmed that multiple offers were on the table. “There were certainly other options,” he said. “I’m not going to say which teams they were, they can do that themselves,” he remained secretive. “For me, however, it was always Ferrari.”

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