Ferrari has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world by securing Charles Leclerc with a record-breaking contract extension, as details emerged on Thursday. The 28-year-old Monegasque driver announced the multi-year deal on the eve of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, with estimates suggesting his salary has skyrocketed to around $80 million (50 million euros) per season. This new agreement ties Leclerc to Ferrari through at least the end of the 2030 season, with speculation it could extend further.
Unprecedented Driver Pairing
The contract extension means that Ferrari's 2027 driver lineup—Leclerc alongside Lewis Hamilton—will become the most expensive in Formula 1 history. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari from Mercedes before the 2025 season, reportedly earns around $98 million (60 million euros) per year. Combined, the duo's salaries exceed 100 million euros, a first for the sport. Leclerc's previous deal was worth approximately 34 million euros.
Impact on the Grid
Leclerc's new deal removes him from the driver market, potentially affecting Red Bull's plans. With Max Verstappen threatening to quit, Red Bull may need a backup. Carlos Sainz, currently out of contract with Williams after 2026, has been linked to Red Bull. Meanwhile, Australian driver Oscar Piastri, who earned $41 million in 2025 including bonuses, is locked down at McLaren, ruling out a move to Red Bull.
Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, has won eight Grands Prix, with his last victory in 2024. He finished runner-up in the 2022 championship. Currently third in the 2026 standings, just three points ahead of Hamilton, Leclerc expressed his joy at continuing with Ferrari. "It's the team I've loved and dreamt of being part of since I was a child," he said. "Together we've shared incredible moments and some tougher ones, but I believe in this team more than ever."
The contract extension solidifies Ferrari's driver lineup for years to come, as the team aims to bring the World Championship back to Maranello.
