Leclerc provides reason for long-term Ferrari commitment

Charles Leclerc has explained why he agreed to remain with Ferrari for so many years to come, following his recent contract extension.

Ferrari has been at the centre of the very early start to this year's 'silly season', with the Italian squad having already confirmed their line-up for at least 2025 and 2026.

It was announced in January that Charles Leclerc had signed a multi-year contract extension, although Ferrari has yet to confirm the exact length of the deal.

According to reports in the Italian media, the Monegasque's new contract runs until the end of 2029.

However, in a more surprising move that was announced at the start of February, Carlos Sainz will be replaced next year by Lewis Hamilton.

The seven-time World Champion is leaving Mercedes at the conclusion of the 2024 season, to complete a remarkable move to Maranello.

Hamilton and Leclerc is a phenomenal driver pairing and represents the outfit's ambitions to end their title drought. Ferrari hasn't won the Constructors' Championship since 2008, whilst Kimi Raikkonen's 2007 title marks the last time a Ferrari driver secured the Drivers' Championship.

'I believe in the project'

Ending Ferrari's wait for a championship is Leclerc's career goal and is part of the reason why he agreed to such a long extension. The 26-year-old has been close to Ferrari for many years, having joined their driver academy back in 2016.

A close bond between Ferrari and Leclerc is clear, though, with the proof being the reported length of his contract. It hasn't all been plain sailing for Leclerc over the last six years with Ferrari, particularly over the last two seasons.

He was considerably more vocal on the radio and clearly disgruntled at some strategic calls, yet his love for the manufacturer remains seemingly untouched. Leclerc believes in not only what Ferrari is trying to do but also in their pursuit of having the fastest car.

"Well, of course, it's part of my decision," Leclerc told select media including RacingNews365.

"I think not only because it feels like a family, but most of all, because they were the first people to believe in me straight from even before I got to Formula 1.

"They gave me the opportunity to get into Formula 1, they gave me the opportunity of being a Ferrari driver, and getting a car that was good enough to get my first pole position and my first win.

"But more than anything, I think what made me sign for a longer contract is because I believe in the project. Otherwise, I wouldn't have done that.

“So I believe in the project fully. I love Ferrari, that's for sure, and I think that's clear to everybody.

"But most of all, I believe in the project, and I believe we have the best chance in order to become the best car on the grid in the next years. So this is why I renewed with Ferrari."