Charles Leclerc, whose contract was set to expire at the end of this season, has extended his agreement with the Scuderia and will be tied to the Prancing Horse until the end of 2026, betting on the growth potential of the Maranello team. Now, attention turns to Carlos Sainz’s two-year renewal, aiming to start the 2024 season with a team based on stability.
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari will continue their journey together in Formula 1 for the next years. For the Monegasque driver, this marks the third contract with the Scuderia. The first was signed upon entering the Academy in 2016, leading him to join the Formula 1 team at the beginning of 2019. His debut as a top driver convinced Maranello’s management to secure Leclerc with a five-year contract, set to expire at the end of this season.
The renewal was expected, with Frederic Vasseur and Charles never actively seeking alternatives, driven by mutual respect and a lack of alternatives on both fronts. Points of discussion included the duration of the agreement, compensation, and possibly exit clauses.
The extension, whose duration has not been confirmed but seems likely to be until the end of 2026, is a compromise that satisfies both parties and will see Leclerc compete in nine consecutive seasons in red, becoming the driver with the most Grand Prix races for Ferrari. A point that may please Charles, but certainly not his primary objective.
In Maranello, they have solidified a crucial asset for the medium and long-term future. The new technical cycle starting in 2026 will need solid foundations, and drivers are essential elements. The announcement of Carlos Sainz’s renewal is likely to follow in the coming days, although there are uncertainties about the duration of that agreement.
Leclerc’s contract was a priority and required approval from both CEO Benedetto Vigna and President John Elkann, who has a direct relationship with Charles. For Vasseur, it’s a significant and expected step, as any difficulties in Leclerc’s renewal would have made him the primary responsible party.
Ferrari’s announcement is the first of many expected this season, as currently, only five drivers have contracts for 2025. Leclerc becomes the sixth, and while not surprising, the news (along with the awaited announcement for Sainz) is poised to trigger subsequent movements.
Soon after the official announcement, Charles Leclerc posted a video on social media, highlighting his enthusiasm for the news:
The Dream Continues. Grateful to announce that I will continue my adventure in red. ❤️ @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/e9S6ot1sP9
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) January 25, 2024
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