The length of Charles Leclerc’s new Formula 1 contract was not publicly disclosed when it was announced by Ferrari, except that it was a ‘long-term’ deal.
Corriere della Sera, which is well-informed on all things Ferrari, believes that Leclerc’s new contract contains a break clause on his side to allow him to leave the team after 2026, if the team has failed to provide him a car capable of challenging for the World Championship.
If not, he is locked into the Scuderia until 2028, which in effect would be a four-year contract extension, with his previous terms set to expire at the end of the coming season.
Ferrari is reaching deep into its pockets
That basically means in that Leclerc has signed a five-year Ferrari contract effective immediately. His expiring contract, which ran through 2024, has thus been opened up and upgraded early. As a result, Leclerc will earn just over $30 million this year instead of $24 million. On top of that could come several (millions in ) bonuses.
As a result of agreeing to a fresh contract, Leclerc will earn just over $30 million in the coming year in terms of base salary a rise from around the $24 million mark he previously enjoyed.
Bonuses for race wins and a championship would push this figure higher.
Incrementally, Leclerc’s remuneration is set to steadily increase to as much as $50 million a year in base salary, but only if he is still a Ferrari driver come 2028.
As for his team-mate Carlos Sainz, talks with Ferrari are ongoing but no news of a potential renewal are thus far coming, with Sainz linked with a potential move to Audi when it arrives for 2026.
