Charles Leclerc and Ferrari have announced a new contract extension, which will see the talented Monegasque driver continue to race for the iconic Scuderia beyond the end of the 2024 season.
Leclerc’s journey with Ferrari dates back to 2016 when he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy. His Formula 1 career began in earnest with Sauber in 2018, and he became a full-time member of Ferrari in 2019. Over his time with the team, he has notched up five race victories and an impressive 23 pole positions.
In light of the contract extension, Leclerc expressed his excitement about extending his tenure with Ferrari. "I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come," Leclerc said, echoing his long-held aspirations.
He reminisced about his early dreams, stating, "To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old: I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend’s apartment at Ste. Devote corner and I would always look out for the red cars. This team is my second family ever since I joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and we have achieved a lot together, fighting through thick and thin over the past five years."
Looking ahead, Leclerc’s ambition remains clear. "However, I believe the best is yet to come and I can’t wait for this season to start, to make further progress and be competitive at every race. My dream remains that of winning the World Championship with Ferrari and I’m sure that in the years ahead, we will enjoy great times together and make our fans happy," he added, illustrating his commitment to the team's success.
Fred Vasseur, Team Principal at Ferrari, highlighted the profound connection between Leclerc and the Scuderia. "Charles’ bond to the Scuderia goes beyond that of just a driver and a team, as he has been part of the Ferrari family for eight years now, dating back to a time before he first sported the Prancing Horse emblem on his race suit,” Vasseur noted.
He emphasized the importance of Leclerc's character and determination, stating, "His values and those of our team are intertwined and so it was natural for us to be in agreement on extending our collaboration. We know him for his incessant desire to push himself to the limit and we appreciate his extraordinary abilities when it comes to fighting and overtaking in a race."
Vasseur also reaffirmed Ferrari's commitment to providing Leclerc with a competitive car. "We are determined to give Charles a winning car and I know that his determination and commitment are elements that can make the difference in helping us reach our goals," he said.
As Leclerc gears up for the 2024 season, he will again team up with Carlos Sainz, who is also contracted with Ferrari until the end of the year. The organization is set to unveil its new challenger on February 13, ahead of critical pre-season testing scheduled from February 21 to 23 at Sakhir, culminating in the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29 to March 2.
Leclerc's renewed commitment to Ferrari comes as the team strives to restore its former glory, and the pressure is mounting for the duo to deliver results on the track. The upcoming season is not just another chapter for Leclerc but a crucial phase in his quest for the championship he deeply desires to achieve with the storied Italian team. The partnership looks poised to flourish in the coming years, making for an intriguing narrative in the world of Formula 1.