Leclerc Extends Ferrari Deal Aiming For World Championship

Charles Leclerc sets a clear target after agreeing fresh terms with Scuderia Ferrari HP, stating that the aim is to return the Formula One world championship to Maranello. The Monegasque driver currently holds third place in the 2026 standings after five races.

Ferrari confirms a new contract for Leclerc on Wednesday, without revealing its official duration, while multiple reports state the agreement extends until the end of 2028. The extension underlines Ferrari’s belief that Leclerc can challenge Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

Leclerc makes clear how strongly Leclerc feels about staying with the Italian team. “I couldn’t be happier to continue this journey with Scuderia Ferrari HP. It has always been so much more than just a team to me,” Leclerc tells Ferrari’s website after the new deal is announced.

Leclerc describes a long personal bond with Ferrari that develops over many seasons. “It’s the team I’ve loved and dreamedof being part of since I was a child, and after all these years, it has become a second family. Together we’ve shared incredible moments and some tougher ones, but I believe in this team more than ever, and I’m deeply grateful that we will keep pushing side by side toward our shared goal of bringing the world championship back to Maranello. Being a Ferrari driver is a dream, but it’s also a responsibility I never take for granted.”

The driver enters a ninth campaign with the Scuderia in 2026, having joined Ferrari in 2019 after one season at Sauber. During that period, Leclerc collects eight grand prix victories and reaches the podium 52 times, underlining consistent front-running form.

Ferrari’s form improves noticeably after recent regulation changes, helping Leclerc move from fifth in the 2025 drivers’ championship to third so far in 2026. The team now targets its first title since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 success, with Leclerc aiming to end the long wait.

Leclerc Ferrari world championship hopes for Monaco and beyond

Attention now turns to the Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc’s home race, where Leclerc looks to close the gap to standings leaders Antonelli and Russell. A strong result on the tight Monte Carlo streets could boost Ferrari’s growing confidence in the title campaign.

Leclerc repeatedly stresses both ambition and responsibility, as Leclerc works to convert loyalty into championships. The new contract, the improved 2026 pace, and the historic target of matching Raikkonen’s achievement all frame the next phase of Leclerc’s partnership with Ferrari.