Translation:
Charles Leclerc reportedly renewed his contract with Scuderia Ferrari . In detail, it is a firm 2025-2026 agreement and 2027-2028-2029 in the form of options. For some time now, the Monegasque driver’s entourage has been probing the paddock. Discussions with Mercedes, Aston Martin, Alpine and even Red Bull have taken place. The German manufacturer’s option was the most serious, in the event of a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff believes that Charles Leclerc is a good candidate to face Max Verstappen in the future. This is what the whole paddock thinks.
His current contract expiring in 2024, the pilot had already had a certain largesse this year. Mattia Binotto, before his ousting and to compensate for the terrible second half of the season at Scuderia Ferrari, had agreed to anticipate his driver’s remuneration schedule. Clearly, Leclerc receives in 2023, what he was to receive in 2024, i.e. 20 million euros , according to our Business Book GP partner . Thus indicating the basic value of a future contract and above all the beginning of an anticipation of discussions. A contract that was quickly negotiated to be finally accepted in recent weeks.
A 5-year contract extension would have been concluded between the two parties. On the Monegasque side, the ambition is to see the market come by 2026. On the Scuderia side, securing its spearhead and a motivation to keep it in the long term. The second part of the contract in the form of an option will, in the form of performance clauses, release Charles Leclerc from his Ferrari contract each season. Remuneration remains. Early rumors point to a contract total of over 185 million euros ($220 million) and compensation that could reach 50 million euros in the final year.
Until a few races ago I would have said it was looking more likely each race but they’ve made some ground back and he seems a tiny bit less likely to bail now.
Meanwhile, I wonder when Sainz’s deal is up…
Might depend on how much they fix the porpoising without losing performance.