Charles Leclerc Renews Contract with Ferrari, Commits to Future with F1 Team
Monaco’s Charles Leclerc officially committed his future to Ferrari on Thursday, Jan. 25, after signing a contract renewal with the Italian Formula One outfit. The Scuderia Ferrari did not specify the length of Leclerc’s new deal, merely saying that it took him “beyond the 2024 season” when his current contract expires.
The Monegasque, who finished fifth last season and way behind world champion Max Verstappen, would be staying on for the “coming seasons”, Ferrari stated.
“I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come. To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old,” said Leclerc in a statement.
Leclerc, 26, has been driving for Ferrari’s F1 team since 2019, one year after making his debut in the premier racing championship with Sauber.
Since joining the Scuderia, Leclerc has won five Grands Prix, claimed 30 podium finishes, and started on pole position 23 times. However, he has failed to put up a proper challenge for the world title as Verstappen and Red Bull snatched dominance of the sport from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
The closest Leclerc has come to the drivers’ championship was in 2022 when he finished second behind Verstappen. He ended that season 146 points off the pace and last season the gap was even larger, a whopping 369 points separating Leclerc from the Dutchman.
“We are determined to give Charles a winning car and I know that his determination and commitment are elements that can make the difference in helping us reach our goals,” said Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.
The Ferrari team is yet to make an announcement regarding any contract extension for Leclerc’s partner, Carlos Sainz, whose contract is up at the end of the season.
