Ferrari heads into the Monaco Grand Prix weekend with high expectations regarding the performance of the SF-26, but the dominant topic of discussion throughout the week has undoubtedly been Charles Leclerc’s contract extension with the Scuderia.
The Monegasque driver used Thursday’s FIA press conference to provide further insight into his decision to remain with Ferrari, discussing the offers he received from rival teams and whether he can imagine spending the rest of his Formula 1 career in red.
During the media session, Charles Leclerc was one of the main attractions for journalists, with many of the questions naturally focused on his newly announced contract and the negotiations that preceded it. Ferrari and the Monegasque driver revealed the extension during Monaco Grand Prix week, making the announcement even more special given that it came ahead of his home race.
Many fans and paddock observers believe Charles Leclerc could eventually spend his entire Formula 1 career at Ferrari. At the moment, however, the only certainty is that he remains committed through the 2027 and 2028 seasons. When asked directly about his long-term future, the Ferrari driver offered an honest response.
Leclerc: “Were there other options? Yes, but I won’t say who”
“I didn’t have a deadline in mind. For me, everything was very clear. I love this team, and I think that is obvious from the outside.
“I believe in the project, and I strongly believe in Fred Vasseur and in his ability to bring Ferrari back to the top. That is why I am here and why I will continue to be here. I love this team, and I think it shows. But I also want to win. We have not managed to achieve that over a full season yet, but the trust is there,” the Monegasque driver explained.
The comments once again underlined that his decision was not based solely on emotion. While his connection with Ferrari remains extremely strong, Charles Leclerc also believes the team is making the right changes to become a title contender again. Those developments, according to the Monegasque, played a significant role in convincing him to stay.
During the press conference, Sky Sport F1 Italy reporter Mara Sangiorgio asked whether he could imagine remaining with Ferrari for the rest of his career.
“I’m still young,” Charles Leclerc replied with a laugh. “But I can say that right now it feels like the right choice, and that’s why extending my contract felt completely natural. I don’t look too far into the future. Were there other options? Yes, but I won’t say who. They can reveal that themselves if they want to.
“A title in 2026? Things can change very quickly, so it’s too early to say. But I am very motivated to try to close the gap to Mercedes.”
Charles Leclerc also highlighted a potential issue that could affect this weekend’s action in Monaco: traffic: “Twenty-two cars on this track will be difficult. It’s not ideal in Q1, but we’ll have to adapt. Having two separate groups in the future? Why not?” he concluded, suggesting that changes to Monaco qualifying could be worth considering if Formula 1 continues to face congestion problems around the narrow streets of the Principality.
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