Charles Leclerc has indeed extended his contract with Ferrari, but his future was not entirely locked in internally. According to Martin Brundle, the Monegasque driver reportedly explored other options before sealing his new contract.
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Charles Leclerc’s contract extension with Ferrari was made official on the sidelines of the Monaco Grand Prix. A decision that extends an already long relationship between the Monegasque driver and the Scuderia, which began in 2019.
But according to several paddock observers, this renewal was not made without careful consideration. Leclerc reportedly took the time to study the driver market before committing long-term with Ferrari.
Martin Brundle notably believes that this step is logical for a driver of his caliber, especially in a context where top teams remain very attentive to available opportunities.
McLaren and Mercedes in Leclerc’s considerations
When asked about the potential discussions held by Leclerc, the former driver and consultant confirmed that several major teams would have been involved.
“Well, it’s very interesting because he often mentions Fred Vasseur,” explained Martin Brundle to Sky F1.
According to him, this proximity to the Ferrari team principal weighed in the balance, but does not exclude a market exploration phase.
“It’s obvious that he spoke to McLaren and to Mercedes, at a minimum,” added Brundle.
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The Briton nevertheless insists that this is a normal practice in Formula 1 for a driver in a top team, in order to evaluate all available options before signing.
A loyalty maintained despite mixed results
While Leclerc ultimately chose to stay with Ferrari, his time with the Scuderia has been marked by ups and downs. Since his arrival, the Monegasque has experienced periods of fighting for the title, particularly in 2022, without managing to materialize it long-term.
Brundle also points out that, despite this context, the driver remains committed to Ferrari and its long-term project.
“It’s a great story, and he’s comfortable there,” he stated.
The consultant nevertheless reminds that the Monegasque’s recent track record remains limited, even if current performances suggest a possible revival.
“It’s been eight years now, but it hasn’t really been a success in terms of titles,” he noted.
A future still to be written in red
For Brundle, this extension is therefore as much a choice of continuity as a bet on the future. Leclerc remains one of the most talented drivers on the grid and could play a major role this weekend in Monaco.
Ferrari, for its part, finally hopes to transform this loyalty into concrete results, with a clear objective: to bring the world title back to Maranello.
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