Leclerc commits with Ferrari with multi-year extension

Charles Leclerc has put pen to paper on a new multi-year contract with Scuderia Ferrari, cementing his place as the team's lead driver for "several more seasons" ahead.

While exact contract length details remain undisclosed, it is understood the agreement will see the 25-year-old continue to spearhead the Prancing Horse's Formula 1 efforts well into the 2026 regulations overhaul.

"I'm very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come," affirmed an elated Leclerc.

"To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old: I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend's apartment at Ste Devote corner and I would always look out for the red cars."

Having risen through the ranks of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2016, Leclerc's extension marks the continuation of a long-standing affiliation.

After an impressive rookie season with Sauber in 2018, the Monegasque was promptly promoted to the works Ferrari outfit where he claimed two race wins in his first year.

Though the Scuderia have struggled to match the pace-setting performances of Mercedes and Red Bull in subsequent seasons, Leclerc has still managed to add a further three wins to his tally, underlining his raw speed and racecraft.

"Charles' bond to the Scuderia goes beyond that of just a driver and a team, as he has been part of the Ferrari family for eight years now," affirmed Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, highlighting Leclerc's integral role within the squad.

"We know him for his incessant desire to push himself to the limit and we appreciate his extraordinary abilities when it comes to fighting and overtaking in a race."

With his commitment now extended long-term, Leclerc will be hoping Ferrari can provide him with a car truly capable of fighting for the World Championship after several difficult seasons.

"I believe the best is yet to come and I can't wait for this season to start, to make further progress and be competitive at every race," he asserted.

"My dream remains that of winning the World Championship with Ferrari and I'm sure that in the years ahead, we will enjoy great times together and make our fans happy."

Vasseur matches Leclerc's championship ambitions by vowing to "give Charles a winning car", conscious of the Monegasque's supreme talents.

At just 26 years of age, Leclerc now has the platform to cement his status as a Ferrari legend in the coming years.

Provided the prancing horse gives him the tools to succeed, more race wins and a potential drivers' crown could well beckon for the rising star.