Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle has disclosed that Charles Leclerc engaged in contract negotiations with Mercedes and McLaren before ultimately deciding to extend his deal with Ferrari. The revelation came during Friday coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix, where Brundle suggested the Monegasque driver explored his options with rival teams as part of standard practice in Formula 1’s competitive driver market.
Ferrari announced Leclerc’s multi-year contract extension ahead of his home race in Monaco, with reports indicating the new deal extends his commitment into the 2030s beyond his previous agreement that ran until 2029. The timing of the announcement underscored Ferrari’s determination to secure their star driver’s long-term future, particularly as other top teams continue to reshape their lineups for the coming seasons.
Speaking on Sky Sports coverage alongside Simon Lazenby and Jenson Button, Brundle emphasized the strategic nature of such discussions. “It’s such an enduring, relentless love affair with Ferrari, except for all the other teams they contacted before they re-signed. Just to see what the market was like, because that’s your job in this business with the front-running teams,” Brundle explained, highlighting how driver representatives routinely gauge interest from competing teams.
When pressed by Lazenby about which specific teams Leclerc had contacted, Brundle was direct in his response: “It won’t be everybody. Obviously he’d be talking to McLaren and Mercedes. At least.” The pundit noted Leclerc’s close relationship with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, suggesting this connection played a significant role in the driver’s decision to remain with the Italian team despite exploring other opportunities in the paddock.