Charles Leclerc has signed a new long-term contract with Ferrari, a deal that will see him surpass Michael Schumacher's record for the most races with the iconic Formula 1 team. The Monegasque driver, who joined Ferrari in 2019, has committed his future to the Scuderia until at least the end of the 2029 season.
Record-Breaking Tenure
Leclerc's new contract ensures he will race for Ferrari for over a decade, eclipsing Schumacher's 11-season stint with the team from 1996 to 2006. Schumacher won five consecutive drivers' championships with Ferrari, and Leclerc aims to emulate that success. The extension also makes Leclerc one of the longest-serving drivers in Ferrari history.
Performance and Loyalty
Since his debut with Ferrari, Leclerc has secured several race victories and pole positions, establishing himself as a key figure in the team's resurgence. Team principal Frederic Vasseur praised Leclerc's dedication, stating, "Charles is not only a world-class driver but also a true racer who embodies Ferrari's spirit. This contract reflects our mutual belief in a long-term project."
- Leclerc has 5 race wins and 18 podiums with Ferrari as of 2025.
- He finished runner-up in the drivers' championship in 2022 and 2024.
- The new deal reportedly includes performance bonuses and a significant salary increase.
Schumacher's Legacy
Michael Schumacher's record of 180 races for Ferrari has stood for nearly two decades. Leclerc, who has already driven 120 races for the team, is on track to surpass that milestone by the 2028 season if he remains injury-free. The German legend's seven world titles remain a benchmark, but Leclerc is determined to bring the championship back to Maranello.
Ferrari has not won a constructors' championship since 2008, and the drivers' title has eluded them since Kimi Raikkonen's triumph in 2007. Leclerc's extension signals the team's commitment to stability and long-term planning under the new technical regulations set to debut in 2026.
Reaction from the F1 World
Former drivers and pundits have applauded the move. "This is a statement of intent from Ferrari," said ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle. "Leclerc is their future, and keeping him long-term is crucial for their championship ambitions." Rival teams also acknowledged the significance, with Red Bull's Christian Horner noting, "Leclerc is a phenomenal talent, and Ferrari have secured their star driver for years to come."
The announcement comes ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc's home race, where he will aim to add to his victory tally. With a new contract in hand, the pressure is on Leclerc to deliver Ferrari's first drivers' title in nearly two decades.
