Leclerc extends Ferrari tenure
Charles Leclerc has signed a new long-term contract with Ferrari, extending his commitment to the Formula One team. The announcement was made prior to his home race, the Monaco Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Monegasque driver has been with the Maranello-based outfit since 2019, having previously joined the Ferrari Academy in 2016.
Leclerc’s previous contract extension came in 2024. While the exact duration of the new deal was not specified by Ferrari, the team stated that he would continue for the “coming seasons”. Reports suggest his previous contract ran until at least the end of 2027, with the new agreement potentially extending his stay beyond 2028 and into his 30s.
During his time with Ferrari, Leclerc has secured eight wins and achieved 52 podium finishes. He has competed in 155 races for the Scuderia, a tally surpassed only by Michael Schumacher in the team’s history. Leclerc also ranks second for pole positions behind the German racing legend.
A deep connection to the team
In a statement released by Ferrari, Leclerc expressed his strong connection to the team. “I couldn’t be happier to continue this journey with Scuderia Ferrari HP. It has always been so much more than just a team to me,” he said. He further described Ferrari as the team he has loved and dreamt of being part of since childhood, which has since become a second family.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, commented on the renewal, stating that it felt “very natural” given Leclerc’s long-standing relationship with the team. Vasseur highlighted Leclerc’s growth, noting that he has become not only one of the strongest drivers in Formula One but also a person fully aligned with the team’s values and what Ferrari represents.
Leclerc’s journey with Ferrari began in their junior academy in 2016. He went on to win the Formula Two title in 2017 before making his F1 debut with Ferrari-powered Sauber (now Audi) in 2018. He was then promoted to the main Ferrari team in 2019.
Current season performance and future outlook
Currently, Leclerc is third in the 2026 drivers’ championship standings. He is 56 points behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship after winning the last four races. Leclerc’s teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari last year on a multi-year contract, is fourth in the standings, three points behind Leclerc.
Ferrari has not secured a Grand Prix victory since 2024, nor a championship since 2008. However, Leclerc has achieved two podium finishes this season, placing third in Australia and Japan. The team is expected to perform competitively at the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, a circuit where top speed is less critical and grid position is paramount.
Leclerc made history in 2024 by becoming the first local driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix in the championship era. He has also secured pole position there three times in the last five years. His continued presence alongside Lewis Hamilton provides stability for Ferrari, allowing the team to focus on car and power unit development to challenge for future championships.
The commitment from Leclerc is seen as a demonstration of faith in his ability to deliver success if the team can provide competitive machinery. His strong relationship with team management, including President John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna, and his popularity with the Tifosi fanbase, further solidify his position within the team. Leclerc’s previous deal still had at least 18 months remaining before this new agreement was signed.
