Leclerc reportedly set for new five-year deal with Ferrari

©Ferrari

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A report from Italy’s La Gazetta dello Sport claims that Charles Leclerc has agreed to a five-year contract extension with Ferrari, keeping him behind the wheel of the Scuderia’s cars until the end of the 2029 season.

That's another six years of potentially adrenaline-fueled racing, heart-stopping maneuvers, and podium-topping triumphs for Leclerc and for the Monegasque’s many devoted fans.

Leclerc's current contract was set to expire at the end of 2024. But Ferrari, recognizing the 26-year-old’s exceptional talent, has decided to secure their future together long-term.

Leclerc’s new deal allegedly includes a significant financial upgrade. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the five-time Grand Prix winner’s annual retainer will start at €25 million and rise to an impressive €50 million by the final year.

But that's not all. The contract also includes performance-related exit clauses, meaning that after three years, so following the 2027 season, Leclerc could theoretically negotiate an exit if he's not satisfied with the team's performance.

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Leclerc: Still ‘a long way to go’ before matching Red Bull race pace

However, considering Ferrari's recent strides and their unwavering commitment to Leclerc's success, the latter will certainly be aiming for a long-lasting partnership with the Scuderia.

La Gazzetta claims that an official announcement of the new deal is imminent.

©Ferrari

As a member of Ferrari’s Driver Academy, Charles Leclerc graduated to F1 in 2018 with Sauber before moving to the Scuderia the following season, a year in which he won his first two Grands Prix.

He added three more wins in 2022, establishing himself as a regular front-runner with the legendary Italian team, but was unable to improve his track record this season largely due to Ferrari’s underperformance and Red Bull’s outstanding supremacy.

Leclerc’s relentless pursuit of victory has also earned him a remarkable 23 pole positions, the most in F1 history without a world title.

Regarding the future of Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, La Gazzetta dello Sport says that talks are ongoing with the Spaniard whose current contract also runs out at the end of 2024.

©Ferrari

This year’s Singapore Grand Prix winner is seeking a two-year deal with the Scuderia, but the latter is reportedly offering only a one-year extension to Sainz as the team wishes to keep its options open for 2026 for its second seat.

It’s worth noting that Lando Norris’ current deal with McLaren will expire at the end of 2025.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.