Charles Leclerc has revealed that rival Formula 1 teams showed interest in signing him before he committed his future to Ferrari, with Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle identifying McLaren and Mercedes as the most likely contenders.
The comments emerged during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, where Leclerc confirmed he had explored alternative options before ultimately choosing to remain with the Scuderia.
Ferrari announced Leclerc’s contract renewal just days before the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, describing the agreement as a new multi-year deal. While some reports have since claimed the arrangement stretches into the 2030s, TJ13 previously reported that the revised agreement is understood to maintain the same core timeline as Leclerc’s previous contract, running until the end of 2029, with additional performance-based extension options rather than a guaranteed commitment into the next decade.
Leclerc confirms rival interest before signing
Speaking during the FIA press conference ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc acknowledged that other teams had approached him before he finalised his Ferrari extension.
The Monegasque declined to reveal the identities of those teams but made it clear that Ferrari remained his preferred destination throughout the process.
“I’m not going to say who, but they can say it if they want. But for me, Ferrari was always the choice.”
Leclerc’s comments confirmed that there were genuine alternatives available to him, even if his long-term intention remained focused on Ferrari.
The revelation has reignited discussion about one of Formula 1’s most sought-after drivers and the teams that may have explored signing him before the current driver market became increasingly settled.
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Brundle points to McLaren and Mercedes
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle believes the shortlist of interested teams was relatively small.
Asked whether Leclerc had spoken with almost every team on the grid, Brundle dismissed that suggestion and instead highlighted two organisations he believes were actively involved in discussions.
According to Brundle, Leclerc spoke with “at least” McLaren and Mercedes before committing his future to Ferrari.
Those suggestions align with long-running paddock speculation that both teams monitored Leclerc’s contract situation closely as they evaluated future driver line-ups.
Mercedes had previously been linked with Leclerc during uncertainty surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future before the seven-time world champion’s eventual move to Ferrari, while McLaren’s rise to the front of the grid made it an increasingly attractive destination for elite drivers.
Ferrari’s contract situation remains significant
Leclerc’s decision carries importance beyond simple driver loyalty.
The 28-year-old remains one of the sport’s most valuable assets and his availability would likely have triggered widespread interest across the paddock.
His confirmation that alternatives existed strengthens the view that Ferrari negotiated from a position where competitors were prepared to make serious offers.
While Ferrari has never publicly disclosed the precise terms of the agreement, the deal gives the Scuderia stability through Formula 1’s upcoming regulatory cycles.
Button praises loyalty but highlights championship question
Former world champion Jenson Button praised Leclerc’s loyalty to Ferrari but acknowledged there are career considerations beyond sentiment.
Button noted that Ferrari played a major role in Leclerc’s development, supporting him through its junior programme before promoting him to Formula 1 via Sauber and eventually into the factory team.
However, Button also suggested drivers must ultimately prioritise their championship prospects.
“At some point, you have to be selfish and think about what is best for yourself.”
Leclerc joined Ferrari in 2019 and has secured eight victories with the team. His latest win came at the 2024 United States Grand Prix.
For Ferrari, retaining Leclerc ensures continuity during a crucial period for the team. For rival outfits such as McLaren and Mercedes, Brundle’s comments suggest there may have been a genuine opportunity to pursue one of Formula 1’s most highly regarded drivers before Ferrari moved to secure his future.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
