Leclerc signs multi‑year Ferrari extension as team hails him as “here to stay”

Ferrari didn’t need a long statement — just two sharp lines and a photo. “He’s here to stay. We’re pleased to confirm that Charles Leclerc has agreed to renew his contract with Scuderia Ferrari HP.” With that brief message on social media, the team made official what many expected heading into Monaco: their homegrown star is locked in for the long term.

As has become common in modern Formula 1 contract announcements, Ferrari didn’t reveal the exact length of the new deal, only that it spans “multiple years.” Leclerc last signed an extension in January 2024, and this new agreement removes any lingering doubt about his future as F1’s new era begins to take shape.

Leclerc thrilled to continue with Ferrari

Leclerc marked the moment with an emotional video and message to fans. “I couldn’t be happier to continue this journey with Ferrari,” he said. “It has always been much more than a team to me. It’s the team I loved and dreamed of joining as a kid, and after all these years it has become a second family. We’ve shared incredible moments and tougher ones, but I believe in this team more than ever.”

He added that the mission remains unchanged: “I’m deeply grateful that we’ll keep working side by side to bring the World Championship back to Maranello. Being a Ferrari driver is a dream, but also a responsibility I never take for granted. I’ll keep giving everything to bring this team back to the top — for everyone in Maranello, and especially for the tifosi, whose passion is the soul of this Scuderia.”

Team principal Fred Vasseur echoed that sentiment. “Charles has been part of the Ferrari family for many years, and this renewal feels completely natural,” he said. “We’ve watched him grow into not only one of the strongest drivers in F1, but someone fully integrated into the team and everything Ferrari represents. We value his talent, admire his determination, and appreciate the way he works with everyone here, on and off the track. This project means a great deal to him, and we’re delighted to continue together toward our shared goals.”

A defining figure in Ferrari’s modern era

The 2026 season marks Leclerc’s eighth with Ferrari, and this extension will carry him into a full decade in red — a milestone few drivers reach. With 155 Grands Prix already contested for the Scuderia heading into his home race in Monaco, he is second only to Michael Schumacher (180) in total starts for Ferrari, a record he is set to surpass next season.

His tally so far:

Leclerc remains convinced a title with Ferrari is possible — and he’s still firmly in the fight. He currently sits third in the standings, 56 points behind Kimi Antonelli and three ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.