How does a driver who is currently P5 in the Drivers’ championship land a 5-year, $204 million contract with Ferrari? That is the mysterious case of Charles Leclerc reportedly re-signing with the Maranello outfit. Well, it’s not so mysterious because he has an abundance of talent. Adding to that, his negotiation skills are what got him this “mega” deal, leading to him being bracketed together with American football coach, Nick Saban.

There were rumors afloat that the Monegasque had approached rivals, Mercedes and Red Bull before finalizing the details of his Ferrari contract. As it turns out, it wasn’t only those 2 teams but almost the entire paddock that he approached. The only intention behind that was to leverage his contract with the Maranello outfit. In the latest episode of the VF1 show, hosts VF Castro and Vincenzo Landino explained the same.

Castro got Leclerc’s contract negotiation conversation going. She said, “Two rumors that we’ve heard was that Charles Leclerc leveraged Mercedes and Red Bull before agreeing to that mega Ferrari deal.” Landino interrupted her to add: “Also, he talked to almost every team which is kind of funny. You are realistically not gonna go to a Williams or an AlphaTauri.”

Castro finally compared Leclerc’s far-sighted negotiation technique to that of questionable ones by Alabama football coach, Nick  Saban. “But at the same time, he took the play from American Sports,” she explained. “That is what every single American athlete/coach does. Say, Nick Saban was gonna be leaving Alabama, Nick Saban would then go and have maybe a conversation with Clemson or a conversation with Auburn or Texas – one of those bigger schools. He would use that because he wanted to leverage his contract with Alabama.”

Though the Monegasque has pulled a blinder with his haggling skills, his renewal is yet to be officially signed & announced. But as per a former Ferrari Chairman, the deal is as good as done.

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Luca Cordero di Montezemolo brands Charles Leclerc as the best choice for leading Ferrari

Charles Leclerc has been having a tough time in Formula 1. But he’s now been deemed to be the best free driver on the grid by former Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo. And this opinion has a lot of weight behind it because the Maranello-based team has won the Constructors’ Championship thrice under Montezemolo’s leadership, in the late 70s.

“I would confirm Leclerc,” Montezemolo said, as quoted by Sportal. “He is good, and moreover I do not have the impression that there are free drivers who are stronger than him.” This should be all the encouragement that Leclerc needs to keep going.

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If he sticks with Ferrari or not is still up for debate. Nevertheless, his sharp wit is something to be acknowledged.

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