Leclerc stays loyal to Maranello! Ferrari signs multi-year contract with Monaco star

Charles Leclerc is not giving up his dream of winning the championship with Ferrari. The Italian team will continue to use the services of the Monegasque driver, who has been offered a new multi-year contract.

Charles Leclerc began his journey with the Italian stable in 2016, when he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy. And also became a development driver for Haas. In the same year, he jumped behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time in free practice at the British Grand Prix.

Consecutive GP3 and F2 triumphs followed a clear step for the young Monegasque – he took a seat alongside Marcus Ericsson in the Alfa Romeo stable. The Swedish driver was blown away by Leclerc in his first season, earning him a place in the Maranello-based team for 2019.

At Ferrari, Leclerc replaced a legend of the sport, Kimi Räikkönen. The Monegasque repaid the trust the team gave him in the form of a long-term contract by taking pole position seven times and winning the race twice. In addition, he ended the 2019 season in the Drivers’ Cup ahead of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.

For the following seasons, Leclerc became a cornerstone of Ferrari. In his 5 years with the team, he managed to collect a total of 23 pole positions and 5 race wins. His most successful season was in 2022. Back then he overtook Sergio Pérez in a close battle for second place in the championship.

It is therefore no surprise that the Italian stable decided to extend the contract of the super-talented driver. Ferrari did not specify the length of the new contract. It is only clear that Leclerc will continue with the team beyond the 2024 season.

Statements from Leclerc and Vasseur

Leclerc commented on his new contract with enthusiasm: “It is a pleasure to be able to wear the Scuderia Ferrari racing suit in the coming seasons. “It has been my dream to race for this team since I was three years old

“This team has been my second family since I joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and we have achieved many successes together. But I believe the best is yet to come and I can’t wait for the start of next season. My dream is still to win the title with Ferrari,” added the Monegasque.

“Charles’s bond with Scuderia is deeper than just the bond between driver and team, having been part of the Ferrari family for eight years before he saw the emblem of a rearing horse on his suit. His values coincide with those of the team, so it was natural for us to extend the collaboration,” said team boss Frédéric Vasseur.

Carlos Sainz is still assured of a second seat in the team for next season. The son of the eponymous motorsport legend has been with the team since 2021 and has won two races in its colours. The Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of 2024.

Source: Formula One