Charles Leclerc has revealed that he received approaches from rival teams before ultimately extending his contract with Ferrari. The Monaco driver remained coy about the identity of the teams, but admitted that his manager, Nicolas Todt, played a key role in handling external communications.
Speaking on an episode of the Beyond the Grid podcast, Leclerc explained that he was not directly involved in talks with other teams. "That's not my job. I have a manager who informs me about other opportunities in the paddock," he said. He emphasised that the final decision was made after discussions with Ferrari, and the agreement was reached quickly.
Nicolas Todt is not an ordinary figure in the paddock. The son of Jean Todt has a long track record as a driver manager, having handled Felipe Massa and James Calado. His relationship with Ferrari is particularly close, especially with principal Fred Vasseur, who is a co-founder of ART Grand Prix. Todt was reportedly instrumental in the change from Mattia Binotto in early 2023.
Leclerc's position at Ferrari is strong, not only because of his speed but also due to his influence in technical decisions. With a manager who has direct access to senior figures, Leclerc can voice his wishes without open conflict. This was reflected in the decision to replace race engineer Xavier Marcos at the start of the 2024 season, which, despite unclear communication, still went ahead.
However, that influence also depends on Leclerc's market value. If Ferrari has tied him into a long-term contract, then the option to move teams is no longer a bargaining tool. Nevertheless, Leclerc remains fully committed to Ferrari, especially in the effort to return the team to championship glory.
The contract extension underscores Leclerc's faith in Ferrari's project under Vasseur. With new technical regulations coming in 2026, driver stability will be key to building momentum. Leclerc and Ferrari hope to end their long world title drought.
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