Charles Leclerc has put an end to speculation that he could depart Ferrari, committing to a new long-term contract that will keep him with the Italian constructor into the new regulation period.
The Monegasque driver’s previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, and there were murmurs that Leclerc could look elsewhere should reliability and strategy issues continue to plague the team.
Leclerc endured another frustrating campaign in 2023. His qualifying pace was typically impressive and he added another five pole positions to his collection, but none of these were converted into Grand Prix victories.
Instead, it was his Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz who claimed the only victory for the team in 2023, pipping Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton to the top step of the podium at the Singapore Grand Prix. Leclerc came across the line in P4.
So clear were Leclerc’s frustrations that F1 journalist Peter Windsor suggested: “He’ll be wanting either Ferrari to magically get their act together and the car to be really quick, or he’ll be thinking [about leaving].”
However, the 26-year-old’s love for the Scuderia runs deep and with Fred Vasseur proving an inspiring leader after one year with the team, Leclerc has been persuaded to put pen to paper on a deal that will run for “several more seasons”.
Offering an insight into his feelings after the new deal was announced, Leclerc said: “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.
“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.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: /sport/football . Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
