Search

Ferrari announces long-term extension for Charles Leclerc

A new headline is generated within Formula 1 as Charles Leclerc gets a new extended F1 contract with Ferrari. He remains with the Scuderia for the next few years. The Monégasque continues his collaboration with Ferrari since 2019 after being groomed by the Ferrari Driver Academy program. This is a great development for the future of Ferrari as it adds some stability to their driver lineup at an important point in the story of the 2026 season. The exact period of his contract remains unknown but it shows that Ferrari sees its future in Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc reacted with strong emotion after the deal was confirmed as he said, “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. It’s the team I’ve loved and dreamt of being part of since I was a child…” 

He added that Ferrari remains a second family and expressed commitment to pushing for the championship to return to Maranello with full dedication for the tifosi.

Leclerc commits future to Ferrari as Vasseur calls renewal a natural decision 

Leclerc calls Ferrari “a dream” and his ambition 

Leclerc’s message underlined a deep personal link with Ferrari. He described the team as more than a workplace, calling it a “second family”. His journey started with the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016, followed by a Formula 2 title in 2017 and his F1 debut soon after. Since joining Ferrari in 2019, he has delivered eight Grand Prix wins, 27 pole positions and 52 podium finishes. He also holds third place in the 2026 drivers’ championship with 75 points. The renewal extends a career fully shaped inside the Ferrari system. 

Also Read | Mercedes and McLaren Show Why Gearboxes Matter in Formula 1

Ferrari backed a strategic and stable choice 

Leclerc’s decision to stick around at Ferrari is a mixture of loyalty and calculated decision making. Ferrari continues to make Leclerc a key part of their plan amid the difficulties that they are having in the battle for the title. Although there may be teams out there that seem appealing, uncertainty regarding future supremacy and driver plans makes them harder options. Nonetheless, Ferrari continues to provide great support and has set itself up with an ambition of winning titles again in the future.

Vasseur describes renewal as a “natural” step 

Frédéric Vasseur highlighted Leclerc’s growth both as a driver and as a leader within the organisation, as he said, “We appreciate his talent, we love his determination and the way he approaches every day with the people in the Scuderia, both on and off the track. We know how much this project means to him and we are happy to continue working towards our shared goals.”  

According to Ferrari team chief Frédéric Vasseur, the extension was an obvious step. In the opinion of the manager, Leclerc has been with Ferrari for years and has developed into one of the best F1 drivers. Vasseur noted the driver’s commitment and integration into the team on and off the track. Moreover, he noted the significance of the driver to Ferrari’s future projects. Over his tenure in the team, the driver has become one of the most experienced Ferrari drivers. He is in second place after Michael Schumacher on Ferrari’s all-time poles list.