Leclerc extends Ferrari stay: 'The answer was always clear'

Charles Leclerc has signed a fresh contract extension with Ferrari that will keep him in red beyond the 2030 season, the team has confirmed. In a heartfelt message to fans, the Monegasque said his commitment to the Scuderia was never in doubt despite the inevitable questions that come with a career in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

• Leclerc, now one of the longest-serving drivers in the current grid, has been with Ferrari since 2019 after a single year at Sauber. His decision to commit long-term signals stability and mutual belief at a time when driver market movements are reshaping the paddock.
• The extension removes any speculation about a potential move to rivals like Mercedes or Red Bull, keeping a top-tier talent locked in for the next phase of F1's regulatory era starting in 2026.

The details:

• The new deal is understood to extend Leclerc's tenure beyond 2030, building on the previous five-year contract he signed in 2019.
• Leclerc rose through the Ferrari Driver Academy, making him a homegrown product of the Maranello system.
• In his statement, Leclerc wrote: “I know that people will always question your decisions in Formula 1. But when it comes to this, for me, the answer was always clear.”
• He emphasized loyalty and trust as core values, and said he will continue to give “absolutely everything” to bring the team back to the top.

What's next:

• With Leclerc secured, Ferrari can focus on building a competitive package for 2026 and beyond, including the arrival of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025 — a pairing that could define the next era of the sport.
• The team is also investing heavily in its power unit and chassis, aiming to end its championship drought that stretches back to 2008 (Constructors) and 2007 (Drivers).