Ferrari and Charles Leclerc have finalized a new agreement for him to continue driving for the team, effectively removing him from the Formula 1 driver market for an extended period.
While the exact duration of the agreement was not disclosed, the announcement confirming that Leclerc will “continue to wear the team’s colours for the coming seasons” implies that a new multi-year commitment has been reached between both parties.
This agreement was made public just before the Monaco Grand Prix, which is his home race and where he achieved a victory in 2024.
Leclerc’s prior contract was also signed in that same season, spanning multiple years. The driver from Monaco has consistently expressed his primary ambition in Formula 1 as winning a world championship with Ferrari, making his decision to remain with the team entirely expected.
This new term is anticipated to allow him to surpass Michael Schumacher’s current record of 180 Formula 1 Grand Prix appearances for Ferrari; Leclerc has presently participated in 155 races.
Leclerc commented, “My happiness could not be greater as I extend my collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari HP. This team has consistently represented something far deeper than merely a racing outfit for me.”
“It is the squad I’ve cherished and aspired to join since my early years, and over time, it has truly transformed into a second home.
“We’ve experienced both extraordinary highs and challenging lows together, yet my faith in this team is stronger than ever. I am profoundly thankful that we will continue to strive together towards our collective aspiration of restoring the world championship title to Maranello.”
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Photo by: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images
“Driving for Ferrari is a cherished dream, accompanied by a responsibility I consistently hold in high regard. I pledge to dedicate my utmost efforts to elevate this team back to its rightful position, at the pinnacle of motorsport, for all associated with Maranello, and especially for the tifosi, whose fervent support energizes this Scuderia.”
Regarding pole positions for Ferrari, Leclerc ranks behind only Schumacher, though he still trails the seven-time champion significantly, with Schumacher holding 58 poles compared to Leclerc’s 27. The disparity in victories is even more pronounced, as Schumacher boasts 72 wins against the Monegasque’s eight. Leclerc has seldom been equipped with a vehicle capable of excelling consistently in both qualifying sessions and actual races, evidenced by his 18.5% conversion rate from pole positions to wins.
Nevertheless, these statistics have not diminished Leclerc’s overarching ambition to secure championships while racing for Ferrari.
Team principal Fred Vasseur commented, “Charles has been an integral member of the Ferrari family for an extended period, and this contract extension feels like a very organic progression for us.”
“Throughout these seasons, we have witnessed his development, transforming him into not just one of Formula 1’s most formidable drivers, but also an individual fully synchronized with the team and the core values of Ferrari.”
“His talent is something we value greatly, and we admire his resolve and the manner in which he interacts daily with everyone in the Scuderia, both during racing and outside of it. We are aware of the profound significance this endeavor holds for him, and we are pleased to carry on our collaboration toward our mutual objectives.”
During the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton also disclosed that his contract extends to 2027, leading to the expectation that Ferrari will maintain its current driver pairing for the upcoming season. Consequently, Ferrari academy talent Ollie Bearman is likely to remain with Haas for an additional year.
