PARIS: Charles Leclerc has agreed to a multi-year extension with his 'second family' Ferrari, just days before his home Monaco Grand Prix, the Formula One team announced on Wednesday.
Leclerc's Journey with Ferrari
The 28-year-old Monegasque driver has been with Ferrari since 2019, securing eight Grand Prix victories, with his last win coming in 2024. His best championship finish was runner-up to Max Verstappen in 2022.
'Scuderia Ferrari HP announces the renewal of its agreement with Charles Leclerc, who will continue to wear the team's colours for the coming seasons of the Formula 1 World Championship,' read a Ferrari statement on their website.
Leclerc's Reaction
Leclerc, currently third in the drivers' standings, just three points ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton, expressed his joy at continuing his dream with Ferrari.
'It's the team I've loved and dreamt of being part of since I was a child, and after all these years it has become a second family,' he said. 'Together we've shared incredible moments and some tougher ones, but I believe in this team more than ever, and I'm deeply grateful that we will keep pushing side by side toward our shared goal of bringing the World Championship back to Maranello.'
'Being a Ferrari driver is a dream, but it's also a responsibility I never take for granted,' he added.
Team Principal's Praise
Ferrari lauded Leclerc as their 'second-most capped Formula 1 driver' and one who 'also ranks second for pole positions, behind only Michael Schumacher.'
'This renewal feels like something very natural for us,' said team principal Fred Vasseur. 'Over these seasons we have seen him grow, to become not only one of the strongest drivers in Formula 1, but also a person who is completely at one with the team and everything Ferrari represents.'
'We appreciate his talent, we love his determination and the way he approaches every day with the people in the Scuderia, both on and off the track,' Vasseur concluded.
