Charles Leclerc has signed a new long-term contract with Ferrari that will keep him at Maranello until at least the end of 2026.
Leclerc joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and after making his Formula 1 debut with Alfa Romeo in 2018, he graduated to the works team in 2019. His original deal was due to expire at the end of this season, with the Monegasque consistently stating last year that he expected to finalise an extension.
“I am very happy to have signed this new multi-year contract with Scuderia Ferrari,” said Leclerc. “Being part of the Ferrari family is a dream come true and the result of years of hard work. I first wore the red shirt in 2016 and, being also a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, I have always been part of this big family.
“The past five seasons, alongside the team, have been an incredible learning experience both on and off track. We have grown together, we have fought together and we have shared some great moments.
“I strongly believe the best is yet to come. I can’t wait to start this new chapter in my career and keep working with this team that has always believed in me. My goal remains the same: to win the world championship with Ferrari, the team I have always dreamed of racing for.
“I am sure that together we will write many more beautiful pages in the history of this team and give our fans plenty of reasons to be proud.”
To date, Leclerc has contested 123 grands prix, winning five times with Ferrari since 2019. However, despite securing 23 pole positions, the team’s lack of overall competitiveness against Mercedes and Red Bull has prevented him from adding to his victory tally or mounting a serious title challenge. Nevertheless, the renewal ensures he will remain with Ferrari when the sport introduces new regulations in 2026.
Frederic Vasseur, who took over as Ferrari team principal last year after running Alfa Romeo (then Sauber) where Leclerc made his F1 debut, said the Monégasque embodies the spirit of the Maranello outfit and that there was never any doubt about extending their partnership.
“Charles is not just a driver for the team, given that he has been part of the Ferrari family for eight years now, even before he wore the Prancing Horse on his race suit for the first time,” said Vasseur. “His values dovetail perfectly with those of our team, so it was a natural step to continue our journey together.
“We know how much he always pushes himself to the limit and we appreciate his fighting spirit on track, as well as his ability to pull off exceptional overtaking moves. We are determined to give Charles a car capable of winning, and I am convinced that his determination and commitment will play a key role in helping us achieve our goals.”
Last year, Ferrari was the only team to deny Red Bull a clean sweep of victories, with Carlos Sainz taking the team’s sole win in Singapore. The Spaniard, three years older than Leclerc, also has a contract that expires at the end of this season and he is hoping for clarity on his future ahead of the season-opener in Bahrain next month.
While Sainz has been linked with Audi, which will enter F1 in 2026 – a manufacturer for which his father recently won the Dakar Rally – the Spaniard has dismissed suggestions of a move and insists he wants to stay with Ferrari.