Leclerc explains contract extension: “I believe in the project. Other teams were interested, but I love Ferrari, it has always been the only choice”
Charles Leclerc was inevitably the centre of attention on Thursday in Monte Carlo, and not only because Formula 1 has arrived at his home race. In the days leading up to the Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari officially announced a new contract extension for the Monegasque driver, securing the services of the number 16 at least until the end of the 2030 season.
As expected, the very first question directed at Leclerc during the FIA press conference focused on his renewed commitment to the Scuderia. Speaking to the media ahead of his home event, the Ferrari driver once again expressed his affection for both the team and its passionate supporters.
Leclerc explains his decision
“I didn’t have a specific deadline in mind for signing the contract extension. For me, everything was already clear. I love the team and I think that is obvious from the outside,” Charles Leclerc said.
“I’ve been part of Ferrari as a whole for ten years. They believed in me, and they helped me become the person and driver I am today. I believe in the project and I strongly believe in Frederic Vasseur. We have a very good relationship, and I believe he is the person who can bring Ferrari back to the top. That’s why I am here and why I will continue to be here.”
Leclerc’s commitment to Ferrari has never really been in doubt, but there has been no shortage of interest from rival teams. Several reports over recent months linked the Monegasque to potential moves elsewhere, with Aston Martin frequently mentioned among the teams monitoring his situation before their difficult start to Formula 1’s new technical era.
Although Charles Leclerc declined to reveal which teams had approached him, he openly confirmed that alternative opportunities did exist.
“There were other options, but I won’t say who they were with,” he explained. “For me, staying at Ferrari is the most natural thing.”
The comments underline once again the strength of the relationship between Charles Leclerc and Ferrari. Despite the ups and downs experienced since his arrival at Maranello, the Monegasque remains fully committed to the long-term vision of the Scuderia and convinced that the team has the right leadership in place to return to championship-winning form.
With a new contract secured and the support of his home crowd behind him, Leclerc now turns his attention to one of the most important weekends of the season as he looks to deliver another memorable performance on the streets of Monte Carlo.
Leave a Reply