Charles Leclerc opens up about Ferrari’s hilarious prank over his F1 seat

Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc was a part of the Ferrari Academy before joining the Scuderia in 2019. Leclerc has been a part of Ferrari since 2019 as he recollects the memories of being pranked by the Ferrari’s then-Team Principal before being handed a seat in the team.

The 26-year-old revealed how he was in his home country of Monaco and was chilling on a boat with his phone on silent. However, he found it surprising to receive a call from the then Ferrari principal Maurizio Arrivabene, as it was rather strange to receive a call denying his position as a driver in Ferrari. Leclerc further disclosed his disappointment due to this.

I was on a boat in Monaco. I had put the phone on silent mode, I find the call from Maurizio Arrivabene, I tell the friend I was with to switch off the engines, that the head of Ferrari had called me and I couldn’t hear well. I realized he wouldn’t take me at Ferrari. I felt a bit strange that he was calling to tell me, I was disappointed.

Leclerc told L’Officiel Italia.

Subsequently, just after 15 seconds from the primary call, he received another call from Arrivabene. The principal revealed to Leclerc that it had been a joke and confirmed his acceptance as the driver for Maranello from 2019. Following the 2019 season, the Monegasque received a five-year contract extension [the highest ever for any Ferrari driver] after a successful stint with Ferrari in 2018.

Fifteen seconds later he called me back and told me he was joking. I hung up and jumped in, it all seemed so surreal. Me in the Ferrari…’.

Ferrari offered Charles Leclerc another long-term contract expansion.

However, the season of 2023 proved to be a rollercoaster season for Charles Leclerc. Despite performing at his A-game, Leclerc did not manage to replicate his P2 finish in the 2022 championship standings. Ferrari revealed a lot of instability issues in multiple sectors and hence concluded a not-so-impressive 2023 season.

Nonetheless, the Monegasque was reportedly offered another multi-year contract for some stability at Maranello. Fred Vasseur revealed the contracts for Leclerc and even Carlos Sainz within the team. However, neither of the two drivers has officially released any statements about the contract expansion to the public, as they await confirmation regarding their status as drivers for 2025.

Leclerc has showcased his commitment to the team through his amazing performances. Additionally, the 26-year-old was also awarded the best overtake in the season for his awesome maneuver against Sergio Perez. Hence, Ferrari awaits contract confirmation from him as the team prepares itself over the winter break.

In case you missed it:

• Gunther Steiner explains why Haas won’t run with rookie driver pair again 
• Ex-F1 World Champion Jenson Button returns to WEC with Porsche

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