Formula 1 racing team, Scuderia Ferrari, has announced that it will extend its contract with Charles Leclerc, the prodigious Monegasque driver, ensuring his place in the iconic Italian team beyond the 2024 season. Notably, however, this move reinforces Leclerc’s deep-rooted association with the Ferrari brand, a relationship that dates back to his pre-Formula 1 days.
Leclerc’s journey with Ferrari began in 2016 when he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy. His remarkable talent was evident early on, especially after his dominant performance in the 2017 Formula 2 championship. Following a year with Sauber to hone his skills, Leclerc made his debut with Ferrari in 2019, marking a historic moment as he became the youngest driver in Ferrari’s history to win a Grand Prix. His victories at the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits showcased his exceptional driving skills, as well as earned him a global fanbase.
In the 2022 season, Leclerc continued his impressive performance, winning three Grands Prix and finishing second in the Drivers’ standings. Known for his extraordinary ability in qualifying laps, at just 26 years old, Leclerc is already second in Ferrari’s history for securing pole positions, a record he shares with the legendary Niki Lauda.
Fred Vasseur, Team Principal at Ferrari, emphasized the strong bond between Leclerc and the team, sharing “His values and those of our team are intertwined and so it was natural for us to be in agreement on extending our collaboration. We know him for his incessant desire to push himself to the limit and we appreciate his extraordinary abilities when it comes to fighting and overtaking in a race. We are determined to give Charles a winning car and I know that his determination and commitment are elements that can make the difference in helping us reach our goals.”
Echoing this and expressing his satisfaction with the extended contract, Leclerc said “I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come. To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old: I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend’s apartment at Ste. Devote corner and I would always look out for the red cars.”
Leclerc additionally expressed that “the best is yet to come” and that his 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.”
