Italian media reacts to 'love story' Leclerc: 'Heart is with the Scuderia'

Italian media has reacted to the contract extension between Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, which will see the 26 year-old commit his future to the team.

Gazzetta dello Sport has opened with: "The love story between Charles Leclerc and Ferrari continues." Leclerc has extended his expiring contract at the Scuderia, thus remaining loyal to his childhood sweetheart. The Gazzetta sees that Leclerc has full confidence in team boss Frederic Vasseur.

"Ferrari would not say how many years the extension is for, but it is expected to be a long-term contract," the newspaper states. "Leclerc has decided to rely completely on Vasseur's comeback plan. It has been difficult years for him at Ferrari so far. Leclerc certainly could not have expected so many highs and lows to follow at the Scuderia. However, it is clear that Leclerc's heart and loyalty is still with the Scuderia. It has been that way since he was a child. He is very confident that things can change."

Situation of Sainz

Corriere della Sera also refers to Carlos Sainz. Leclerc's Spanish teammate still has to wait a while for a new commitment: "A new long-term contract for Leclerc, while Sainz still has to wait. That shows the pecking order at Ferrari. There had been talk of an extension for a long time and now there was the final agreement. Ferrari is still working on an extension of Sainz's contract, but there are still some obstacles to overcome."

"Probably it will be a four-year extension for Leclerc and so the entire Vasseur project revolves around him. He will also start earning more, although he is not yet close to Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Still the goal is the same for Ferrari and Leclerc: to become world champion. With this long extension, it is also clear that Leclerc must take a role at the highest level in rebuilding Ferrari. Should Ferrari not be able to deliver, Leclerc will no doubt still find ways to leave in the coming years."

Repubblica also includes romantic words in their response: "The marriage between Leclerc and Ferrari continues! It was already expected that they would extend and now the high word is out. However, there was never any doubt about this extension, both parties wanted to continue the cooperation. A lot happened at Ferrari lately and often something went wrong mechanically or strategically in the years Leclerc was racing for Ferrari. Still, he is already second behind Michael Schumacher in terms of pole positions. He shares that number even now with Lauda."