Ferrari appears to be serving up a tale of two destinies for their star drivers. Charles Leclerc, the young Monegasque sensation, is seemingly in the midst of a romance with Ferrari that shows no signs of ending anytime soon. According to the well-respected Italian journalist, Luigi Perna, Maranello has extended a tempting proposition to Leclerc—a five-year contract with a jaw-dropping salary hike. Leclerc’s earnings are set to soar from 25 to an eye-watering 50 million euros per season until 2029. That’s not just a contract; it’s a commitment.
Perna reveals this thrilling development in La Gazzetta dello Sport, leaving us to wonder if Charles Leclerc is set to become a Ferrari legend in the making. But what about his partner in the team? Teammate Carlos Sainz is finding himself in a different chapter of this story. While Leclerc basks in the glory of a long-term contract, Sainz is facing a far less certain future. He’s expressed his desire for a two-year contract, covering the seasons 2025 and 2026, but Ferrari seems hesitant. Reports suggest that the Italian powerhouse is only willing to offer Sainz a single-season extension.
Luigi Perna paints a somewhat bleak picture, stating, “Leclerc has in fact reached a long-term agreement to stay another five seasons at Maranello.” This revelation raises questions about Sainz’s next move. Ferrari’s reluctance to commit to a long-term partnership with Sainz has opened the door to speculation about his future in Formula 1. Some suggest that McLaren could be his next destination, as the British team seeks to bolster its lineup. However, Perna hints at another possibility—Sainz potentially joining the ranks at Red Bull, should Sergio Perez decide to depart.
As we await the final chapters of this unfolding drama, one thing is clear: Ferrari’s main focus remains on closing the gap with Red Bull and returning to the pinnacle of Formula 1. Frederic Vasseur, who has helmed the team for just one season, is cautiously optimistic about the journey ahead. “We have taken a huge step forward,” Vasseur says, “which presents us with a promising vision of the future. But that does not mean that we will be there at the beginning next year.”
