Leclerc Extends Ferrari Contract, Citing 'Second Family' Bond

Charles Leclerc has committed his long-term future to Ferrari, signing a contract extension that keeps him at the Scuderia beyond the current agreement. The Monegasque driver, who joined Ferrari in 2019, called the team 'a second family' in a statement that confirmed the move, which had been widely anticipated in the paddock.

Why it matters:

Leclerc’s extension removes one of the biggest driver market uncertainties ahead of F1’s 2026 regulation overhaul. Ferrari secures its most successful young talent—seven wins, 32 podiums and a 2023 runner-up finish—as the team prepares for a new power unit formula that could reshape the competitive order. For Leclerc, it ensures continuity with a squad he has publicly refused to leave, despite interest from rival outfits.

The details:

• Ferrari did not disclose the length of the new deal, but sources indicate it runs through at least the 2028 season, covering the first three years of the new power unit regulations.
• Leclerc’s current contract, signed in 2019 and extended once before, was set to expire after the 2024 season. This new agreement rewards his consistent performances and loyalty.
• "I couldn't be happier to continue this journey with Scuderia Ferrari HP," Leclerc said in the team statement. "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."
• The extension comes amid growing stability at Maranello, with team principal Fred Vasseur reshaping the technical leadership ahead of the 2026 challenger.

What's next:

With Leclerc locked in, Ferrari can focus fully on its 2026 power unit project, which Italian media have described as 'extreme' in ambition. The driver pairing alongside Carlos Sainz—or a yet-unknown teammate—gains clarity, allowing the team to build long-term strategies. For Leclerc, the mission remains unchanged: end Ferrari’s driver championship drought, which stretches back to 2007.