Just a few days ago, Ferrari president John Elkann reassured fans that the presence of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz with the Maranello team is certain. The executive chairman elaborated on the Italian side’s plans to extend the contracts of both drivers during a recent event.
The winter hiatus provides a great chance for all teams to address contractual matters concerning their Formula 1 line-up, but encompassing not only drivers but also engineers and other key staff. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur had previously indicated earlier this year that contract discussions would primarily occur over during the winter break, ahead of the next championship.
At Ferrari, contract negotiations are underway with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, whose current deals are available until the end of the 2024 F1 campaign. Italian F1 experts Giuliano Duchessa and Piergiuseppe Donadoni have provided an important update about the situation of both Ferrari drivers, in a recent article for formu1a.uno.
The Team Principal of Ferrari aims to retain both drivers for the next few years and has negotiated two proposals to ensure stability for the Maranello-based team.
Charles Leclerc: Multi-year renewal with a variable salary of up to 50 million
The situation regarding Charles Leclerc is straightforward, with mutual interest in securing a contract extension as soon as possible. Despite fluctuations in performance, both the Maranello team and Charles Leclerc express a desire to continue their partnership. The challenges faced on the track have not strained the relationship between the driver and Ferrari.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
Charles Leclerc’s allegiance to the Prancing Horse is widely acknowledged by fans and media, matched by the confidence Maranello has placed in the Monegasque’s talent and capabilities since his official debut with Ferrari in 2019, when he replaced Kimi Raikkonen and proved to be immediately very fast.
Contract renewal discussions have commenced, and John Elkann’s confidence suggests that an agreement is imminent. The strong rapport between Frederic Vasseur and Charles Leclerc has facilitated the discussions. The French manager entered these talks with a specific plan on how to make sure the Monegasque will continue with the Italian side.
Currently on the negotiating table is a three-year contract without exit clauses or conditions, with the option to extend for two more years—subject to certain conditions and performance clauses. This becomes especially significant with the regulatory changes expected for the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
From a financial point of view, the Monegasque will experience a substantial increase, incrementally rising over the years. Originally anticipated as a two-year deal, it has extended to three years. The subsequent two-year option will only be exercised if both parties are satisfied, in the hope that Ferrari will be able to provide Charles with a car capable of challening for race wins and the title. Primarily, the final two years of the contract are linked with the idea of providing Charles Leclerc with a competitive Ferrari, potentially extending the relationship for a total of 5 years.
Carlos Sainz: The Spaniard’s offer comprises a two-year deal with options
Carlos Sainz’s situation is somewhat more intricate and perhaps less fluid at this moment. Nevertheless, Ferrari appears steadfast in their desire to continue with the Spaniard, extending his contract with a new two-year deal.
This extension should keep Carlos Sainz at Scuderia Ferrari until the 2026 F1 campaign, by which time he should see increased financial compensation. Despite interest from other teams on the grid, including Audi, whose admiration for the Spaniard is well-documented, it is expected, barring any surprises, that Carlos Sainz will continue with the Maranello team for at least three more years.
Leave a Reply