SUMMARY
- Charles Leclerc signs a new contract with Ferrari after several round of talks.
- The Monegasque will reportedly stay with Ferrari at least until the end of 2029
The most-awaited announcement from Scuderia Ferrari has finally arrived as Monaco-born Charles Leclerc acknowledges yet another long-term partnership with the Maranello outfit. Leclerc was nearing the end of his contract with Ferrari, and several teams, including the likes of Red Bull and Aston Martin, sensed a golden opportunity to commit what could’ve been one of the greatest driver heists in Formula 1.
However, Ferrari was never going to give up on its star driver, Leclerc. And neither was the Monegasque going to give up on his biggest racing dream. Therefore, the two parties have, almost effortlessly, managed to come up with the perfect contract extension at the right time. But, there is a sense of uncertainty revolving around Leclerc’s duration at Ferrari.
🚨 HE STAYS
Ferrari has announced a new #F1 contract for its star driver Charles Leclerc, who was previously signed to the end of 2024.
The new deal is only described as being “for several more seasons”. pic.twitter.com/PTU5IqfIM5
— The Race (@wearetherace) January 25, 2024
How long will the five-time race winner race under the Prancing Stallion badge? Well, according to reports, Leclerc is likely to have signed another massive contract worth five years. Meaning, the Monegasque will wear the red suit at least until the end of 2029. If the aforementioned rumor is genuine, Leclerc will be the first F1 driver to have secured his place on the grid beyond 2028.
Max Verstappen has an active contract with Red Bull Racing which will expire following the 2028 campaign.
Charles Leclerc reacts to contract extension with Ferrari
Following the contract extension announcement, Leclerc couldn’t hide his excitement. Here’s what Leclerc has to say about Ferrari’s latest move. “I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come,” Leclerc said.
“To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old: I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend’s apartment at Ste. Devote Corner and I would always look out for the red cars,” he said. This team is my second family ever since I joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and we have achieved a lot together, fighting through thick and thin over the past five years.
Charles Leclerc has signed a fresh multi-year contract with the Ferrari #F1 team, extending his stay with the Scuderia for “several more seasons”.
Was this the right move for him? 👀 pic.twitter.com/I0qtpQb15z
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) January 25, 2024
“However, I believe the best is yet to come and I can’t wait for this season to start, to make further progress and be competitive at every race. My dream remains that of winning the World Championship with Ferrari and I’m sure that in the years ahead, we will enjoy great times together and make our fans happy.”
Ferrari has ticked one of their boxes by signing Leclerc, as Sainz, now, remains the last piece of the puzzle. However, amidst rumors of failed negotiations with the Spaniard, will Ferrari make a late move for Alex Albon or other rising stars from a rival team?
