Charles Leclerc insists Ferrari was always the choice despite rival Formula 1 team offers

However, the Monegasque insists there was never any serious temptation to leave the team he joined as a Ferrari Driver Academy member a decade ago.

The announcement of Leclerc's renewal came ahead of his home Monaco Grand Prix, extending a partnership that has produced race wins, pole positions and podium finishes, but not yet the World Championship both driver and team crave.

Leclerc admitted that changing teams was a realistic option as he searches for the first title of his Formula 1 career. Nevertheless, Ferrari remained his preferred destination throughout the negotiations.

"There were, yes," he replied to reporters in Monte Carlo, when asked whether other teams had made offers. "I'm not going to say who. They can say it if they want. For me, Ferrari was always the choice."

Leclerc has often spoken about the emotional connection he feels towards Ferrari. The 28 year old grew up dreaming of racing for the most famous team in Formula 1 and believes winning a title in red would carry far greater significance than achieving the same success elsewhere.

Asked whether Ferrari provided assurances about its future competitiveness, Leclerc who has not win a GP since 2024, confirmed: "It was part of all the discussions. But winning in Red for me has got a very unique feeling, and something that I've dedicated all the years. We didn't manage to achieve that yet, at least in a full season."

Leclerc currently sits among Ferrari's most successful modern drivers and has become one of the faces of the team. Yet despite several title challenges and standout seasons, the championship that both he and Ferrari seek has remained out of reach.

The renewed contract underlines Ferrari's belief that Leclerc remains central to its future plans as Formula 1 prepares for the next phase of technical regulations.

Ferrari arrives in Monaco looking to halt Mercedes' dominant start to the 2026 season. The Silver Arrows have won all 5 races so far, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli taking victory in the last 4 Grands Prix.

Leclerc, currently third in the 2026 F1 Drivers' Championship standings, believes the unique streets of Monte Carlo, could offer Ferrari a better opportunity to challenge for victory than many other circuits on the calendar: "I mean, if there's one track I will bet on on us, it's probably Monaco."

The Ferrari driver knows the streets of Monte Carlo better than anyone in the field and claimed an emotional maiden home victory here in 2024. Even so, he remains wary: "I still believe that Mercedes have had a significant advantage since the beginning of the year. So I think they would be very, very strong."

While Leclerc, who will be looking to make ammends for a well-below par weekend in Cnada last time out, sees Monaco as Ferrari's best chance yet to challenge for victory. However, we expects Mercedes to remain the benchmark as Formula 1 heads into one of the sport's most iconic weekends.
(Additional Reporting Agnes Carlier in Monaco)