Jun.5 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has admitted he had offers from rival teams before committing his future to Ferrari.
The Monegasque returned to his home town this week fresh from signing a new contract with the Maranello team, ending months of speculation about his long-term future.
Asked directly if there were other approaches from rival teams, he replied: “There were, yes.”
When asked who they were, Leclerc smiled: “No, I’m not going to say who. But they can say it if they want, but for me Ferrari was always the choice.”
The revelation is significant given ongoing reports linking Leclerc with Aston Martin, Mercedes and even Red Bull amid frustration over Ferrari’s failure to deliver a championship-winning car.
However, Leclerc again made clear that winning a title in red remains his priority.
“My love for the team is very big,” he said. “But, of course, as you said, winning is important for every driver and it’s what we race for.
“Winning in red for me has got a very unique feeling and something that I’ve dedicated all the years so far in Formula 1 to try and achieve.”
Leclerc would not confirm details of the contract, including whether it contains performance clauses or exit mechanisms if Ferrari fails to become a title contender.
“We didn’t manage to achieve that yet, at least on a full season,” he said.
“I cannot go too much into the detail of the contract, so I cannot comment unfortunately on the main question, but surely it’s part of those discussions.”
The contract announcement has reignited attention on Formula 1’s developing driver market, with several major names now facing decisions about their futures.
Lewis Hamilton, whose own Ferrari deal runs into 2027, dismissed suggestions he is already discussing another extension.
“No,” the seven-time world champion said when asked if renewal talks had begun. “I’ll have time for that later. I have plenty of time. I’m not thinking about it yet and I’m not negotiating it.”
Meanwhile, Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman continues to wait for a possible future opening at the Scuderia. The highly rated Briton is outperforming experienced Haas teammate Esteban Ocon this season but says he is not becoming impatient.
“I don’t feel disappointed, I don’t feel unhappy,” Bearman said. “Everything that’s happening now is part of my journey.
“I enjoy working with Haas, and I wouldn’t consider continuing with them in 2027 a bad thing. On the contrary, it’s a great opportunity.”
When asked if he would still be at Haas next season, however, Bearman admitted: “I don’t know.”
Another key figure in the market remains Max Verstappen.
The four-time world champion confirmed Red Bull has already raised the possibility of extending his current contract beyond 2028.
“Yes,” Verstappen said when asked if the team had approached him. But I haven’t signed a new contract in a while. That is normal.”
For now, however, he is in no hurry to commit.
“That’s not my biggest concern for me now, because I have two more years,” Verstappen said.
“I first have to decide for myself whether I want to go longer than 2028. That’s why I’m in no hurry, otherwise I would have signed a contract until 2040.”
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES