Ferrari have extended Charles Leclerc’s contract despite an existing deal, as a key contract detail has emerged to TJ13 – Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari announced a new contract agreement with Charles Leclerc. However, TJ13 understands that the arrangement is not a traditional extension, as many have assumed.
Although the Scuderia has confirmed revised terms with its star driver, sources close to the team suggest that the original end date of Leclerc’s contract remains unchanged, meaning the Monegasque is still under contract until the end of the 2029 Formula 1 season.
This official announcement by Ferrari comes just over two years after Leclerc signed his previous long-term deal with Ferrari in January 2024. At the time, reports from Sky Sports and Gazzetta dello Sport differed on the exact duration of the contract, although both outlets agreed that it contained performance-related clauses that could influence the partnership before its conclusion.
According to information obtained by TJ13 and not reported elsewhere, Ferrari and Leclerc have now both reached performance benchmarks within the original agreement, triggering a renegotiation of the financial terms. The revised contract provides greater financial benefits for the driver while maintaining the original end date of 2029.
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Ferrari has rewarded Leclerc’s commitment
Since joining the team in 2019, Leclerc has become one of the central figures in Ferrari’s long-term plans. Despite periods of frustration and missed championship opportunities, the 28-year-old has remained committed to securing Ferrari’s first drivers’ title since Kimi Räikkönen’s success in 2007.
Speaking as part of Ferrari’s official announcement, Leclerc reaffirmed his loyalty to the Maranello squad.
“I am incredibly excited to continue this journey with Scuderia Ferrari HP. It has always meant so much more to me than just a team. It’s the team I’ve loved since childhood, the team I’ve always dreamed of being part of. After all these years, it’s become like a second family.”
He continued: “We have experienced incredible moments together, as well as some more challenging times. However, I believe in this team more than ever, and I am deeply grateful that we will continue to work together towards our shared goal of bringing the World Championship back to Maranello.”
Leclerc highlights the significance of representing Ferrari
“Being a Ferrari driver is a dream come true, but it is also a responsibility that I will never take for granted. I will continue to give my all to bring this team back to the top for everyone in Maranello, especially the Tifosi, whose passion is at the heart of this Scuderia.”
Why did Ferrari move now?
The timing of the announcement is particularly notable, given Ferrari’s recent competitiveness and the stability that Fred Vasseur has sought to establish within the organisation.
By agreeing to improved terms now, Ferrari is removing any lingering uncertainty surrounding Leclerc’s future, while also reinforcing its commitment to building the team around one of the most experienced and recognisable drivers on the grid.
TJ13 understands that the revised agreement reflects the satisfaction of both parties regarding the progress achieved under the existing contract framework. Rather than extending the deal’s duration, the focus has been on rewarding performance and ensuring alignment as Ferrari continues its pursuit of Formula 1 championship success.
Vasseur praises Ferrari’s leading star
Team principal Fred Vasseur described the agreement as a natural step for both parties: “Charles has been part of the Ferrari family for many years, and this contract extension feels completely natural for us,” he said.
Vasseur added: “We have watched him grow over the past few seasons, becoming not only one of the strongest drivers in Formula 1, but also a driver who embodies the team and the Ferrari brand.”
The Frenchman also highlighted Leclerc’s commitment to Ferrari’s wider project.
“We value his talent, we love his determination, and we appreciate the way he interacts with the Scuderia team, both on and off the track. We know how much this project means to him, and we look forward to continuing to work towards our shared goals.”
Leclerc’s place in Ferrari history continues to grow
Still only 28 years old, Leclerc already occupies a significant position in Ferrari’s Formula 1 record books. He ranks second only to Michael Schumacher for both starts and pole positions with the Scuderia, and is one of the most successful drivers to have represented the team in the modern era.
Now that the contract situation has been clarified and Ferrari has signalled renewed confidence in their lead driver, attention will inevitably turn to the one achievement still missing from Leclerc’s Ferrari career: winning the Formula 1 World Championship for Maranello.
While the new agreement may not extend his stay beyond 2029 for now, it sends a clear message that Ferrari and Leclerc both expect their partnership to remain at the heart of Formula 1’s title fight for years to come.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
