Charles Leclerc is close to signing a new Ferrari deal, according to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The new deal would run until 2029 extending his current contract which expires in 2024.
It would see the Monegasque driver continue this relationship with the manufacturer until he is 32-years-old. This means it could represent the final bumper contract of his career depending on the state of the grid at the tine. Youngsters such as Norris, Piastri and Russell could all be looking for pastures news when 2029 rolls around.
However, Leclerc is one of the most sought after drivers on the grid and is likely to still be one of the best in the business if he’d like to try his luck at another team.
His salary will double from €25 million euros to €50 million euros.
Leclerc joined the team from their junior outfit, Alfa Romeo Sauber, in 2019 after only one season in Formula 1.
[adrotate banner=”10″]
Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.
Success but no titles
Leclerc has picked up five wins since joining the Scuderia alongside a number of poles highlighting his one-lap pace.
It is clear Leclerc enjoys driving for the team and they enjoy him. However,. the team are yet to sustain a title charge and the wait goes on for another trophy.
Remarkably, it is now 16 years since Ferrari last won a WDC while it is 25 years since they last won a Constructors.
It hasn’t been good enough from the team in the last decade with their fans suggesting that opportunities have been passed up.
Chances came and went with Alonso and Vettel but the team could never sustain their pace throughout the season.
Now with a solid line up in Leclerc and Carlos Sainz many are growing impatient. The Tifosi feel they need to provide them with a car that can fight for wins.
Trouble on the other side of the garage
While Leclerc seems happy with his contract the same cannot be said about his teammate. Carlos Sainz’s contract also runs until 2024.
It has been reported, however, that Ferrari only wants to extend Carlos Sainz‘s contract for a single season. However he is adamant that he wants a two-year extension.
The Spaniard was the only driver to break the Red Bull wins monopoly in 2023 taking a thrilling Singapore GP victory.
It seems the team are not as confident in the Spaniard as they are Leclerc. The one year deal suggests they may be looking elsewhere with Norris and even Hamilton suggested as possible alternatives in the past.
[adrotate banner=”10″]
Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.