Charles Leclerc held Red Bull talks before signing new Ferrari deal
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc held behind-the-scenes discussions with Red Bull before agreeing to his recent multi-year contract extension with the Italian team.
The Monegasque racer recently committed his long-term future to the Scuderia following an announcement during the Monaco Grand Prix week.
However, German journalist Ralf Bach has revealed that the highly-anticipated renewal was not entirely straightforward.
Exploring alternative options
Before putting pen to paper, the eight-time Grand Prix winner reportedly explored his options across the Formula 1 paddock.
Bach stated on a motorsport podcast that the driver engaged in dialogue with Laurent Mekies regarding a potential move to the wider Red Bull organisation.
“One had heard that Red Bull were really pushing hard, especially Laurent Mekies – the two of them are French mates, you could say.”
Former driver Ralf Schumacher previously claimed that the lightning-fast qualifier also held preliminary talks with Aston Martin.
Commitment to Maranello
The former Sauber prodigy ultimately decided against a switch to his current employers’ biggest competitors.
Despite Ferrari’s recent struggles to consistently provide a title-contending car, Bach believes staying put was the logical choice for the highly-rated star.
“He believes that Ferrari is the future. He feels very much at home there. He feels at home in red; he feels like a Ferrari driver.”
A move to Aston Martin would have represented a significant risk given the Silverstone-based outfit’s ongoing difficulties with new technical regulations.
Chasing championship glory
Instead, the talented competitor will now focus on adding to his victory tally exclusively in the famous red cockpit he has occupied since 2019.
Securing a maiden world championship remains the ultimate ambition for the racing star as he enters the prime years of his career.
Ferrari management continues to heavily back their lead driver in the hope that increased consistency will eventually yield the ultimate sporting prize.
