{"id":34163,"date":"2024-02-18T17:57:13","date_gmt":"2024-02-18T17:57:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/formula1news.co.uk\/?p=34163"},"modified":"2024-02-18T13:29:56","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T13:29:56","slug":"charles-leclerc-opens-up-on-new-ferrari-contract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/formula1news.co.uk\/charles-leclerc-opens-up-on-new-ferrari-contract\/","title":{"rendered":"Charles Leclerc opens up on new Ferrari contract"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Charles Leclerc has shared his rationale for committing to Ferrari for an extended period, following his recent contract extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ferrari has found itself at the forefront of this year’s early ‘silly season’, with the Italian team already securing their line-up until at least 2025 and 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In January, it was revealed that Charles Leclerc had inked a multi-year contract extension, although Ferrari has yet to disclose the precise duration of the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to reports from the Italian press, Leclerc’s fresh contract spans until the conclusion of 2029.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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READ: Carlos Sainz finally breaks his silence on Ferrari picking Lewis Hamilton<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in a surprising turn of events announced at the start of February, Carlos Sainz will be succeeded next year by Lewis Hamilton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seven-time World Champion is departing Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season, embarking on an extraordinary move to Maranello.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc is an exceptional driver duo and symbolises the team’s aspirations to break their championship drought. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ferrari’s last Constructors’ Championship victory dates back to 2008, while Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 title stands as the most recent triumph for a Ferrari driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ending Ferrari’s championship quest is Leclerc’s career aspiration and partly underpins his decision to agree to such a lengthy extension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 26-year-old has had close ties with Ferrari for several years, having joined their driver academy in 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The strong bond between Ferrari and Leclerc is evident, with the reported duration of his contract serving as evidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Leclerc’s journey with Ferrari over the past six years hasn’t been without challenges, particularly in the last two seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although vocal on the radio and occasionally discontented with strategic decisions, his affection for the marque remains steadfast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leclerc not only believes in Ferrari’s vision but also in their pursuit of fielding the fastest car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well, of course, it’s part of my decision,” Leclerc expressed to select media, including RacingNews365.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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 secure my first pole position and my first win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Esteban Ocon speaks out on Mick Schumacher returning to #Formula1<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/5EfDWXSiNm<\/a><\/p>— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) February 12, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>