The team principal of the Ferrari, Fred Vasseur, commented on the announcement of Leclerc's new contract with the team.
While it was anticipated for quite a while, it was finally announced a few hours ago that Charles Leclerc will continue as part of Ferrari beyond the season 2024.
His contract length has not been officially announced, but it is understood it is a multi-year deal. This means we will see the Monegasque driver with the Italian team at least until the end of the season in 2026. As quoted by Ferrari's official website, Fred Vasseur said:
"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, dating back to a time before he first sported the Prancing Horse emblem on his race suit."
Leclerc made it clear earlier in the season that he did not plan to join a different team as his goal was to "finish the mission" and get the championship title with the Prancing Horse.
"His values and those of our team are intertwined and so it was natural for us to be in agreement on extending our collaboration."
Leclerc is considered one of the fastest, if not the fastest, driver on the grid at the moment, and Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, asserted Ferrari would be crazy not to sign the 26-year-old. Vasseur continued:
"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."
Leclerc has been with Ferrari for five seasons now, and while he has achieved quite a few podiums and race wins, he is still missing the championship.
Vasseur added the main goal of the Italian team at the moment is to provide the Monegasque with a winning car. SF24 (Ferrari's 2024 car) will be unveiled on the 13th of February.
"We are determined to give Charles a winning car and I know that his determination and commitment are elements that can make the difference in helping us reach our goals."