Leclerc Credits Vasseur as Key Factor in New Ferrari Contract

Charles Leclerc has confirmed that team principal Frederic Vasseur played a pivotal role in his decision to sign a new contract with Ferrari, extending their partnership through at least 2028. The announcement came just before the Monaco Grand Prix, with the updated deal primarily reflecting a significant salary increase to an estimated €50 million per year.

Why it matters:

Leclerc's loyalty to Ferrari has been a cornerstone of the team's identity, but his faith in Vasseur's direction underscores a renewed sense of purpose at Maranello. With Lewis Hamilton also earning around €60 million, Ferrari's combined driver salary bill of about €110 million is believed to be the first nine-figure sum in F1 history. This investment signals the team's determination to end its championship drought.

The details:

• Leclerc's original contract already ran through 2028, but the new terms bring his pay in line with the sport's top earners.
• The Monegasque driver has been with Ferrari since 2019, chasing his first drivers' title without success so far.
• Vasseur's influence: Leclerc stated, “Mostly Fred. I’m very on board with his vision and I really believe in Fred.” He pointed to the 2026 car as the first fully shaped by Vasseur's leadership, with visible innovations and a long-term strategy.
• Leclerc emphasized a shared goal of winning “as quickly as possible,” aligning his ambitions with the team's trajectory.

The big picture:

Ferrari has struggled to mount a consistent title challenge in the hybrid era, but Vasseur's arrival in 2023 has brought stability and a clear technical roadmap. Leclerc's renewed commitment — backed by a record-breaking driver payroll — reflects confidence that the team is finally on the right path. The ultimate prize remains a championship in red, and both driver and principal are betting heavily on that outcome.