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Charles Leclerc reveals how long he intends to stay in F1 after signing new Ferrari contract

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Charles Leclerc has revealed how long he intends to stay in Formula 1 after putting pen to paper on a new Ferrari contract.

Having first joined Ferrari from Sauber back in 2019, Leclerc has become a firm favourite among the Scuderia fans.

This week, it was announced that Leclerc had signed a new contract with Ferrari.

It has been widely reported that the new deal would keep the Monegasque at Ferrari until the 2030s, but Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater stated that Leclerc’s contract is ‘shorter’ than believed.

After signing a new deal, will Charles Leclerc retire as a Ferrari driver?

Charles Leclerc poses in front of huge crowds of TFIOSI fans after winning the 2024 Italian Grand Prix
Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Charles Leclerc reveals how long he intends to stay in F1

Speaking recently to Sky Sports Italia, Leclerc spoke about his future and revealed how long he would like to stay in the sport.

The 28-year-old admitted that he does not want to give a ‘definite answer’ as things could change in the future, including his life away from the track.

But Leclerc did state that as of now, he can see himself racing into his 40s, just like his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

Leclerc said: “It’s very difficult to answer. Things can change quickly. Even today, compared to eight years ago, my way of thinking is different, even if my life hasn’t changed enormously.

“Having a child one day could change my perspective and influence my future choices. For me, family is very important.

“If you ask me today how long I see myself in Formula 1, I’d even say until I’m 45 or 50: as long as someone doesn’t replace me, I’ll be there.

“That said, I don’t want to give a definitive answer, because life changes, and when my family situation evolves, my perspective could also change.”

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Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix
Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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Charles Leclerc says he is not looking for ‘unanimity’ after signing new Ferrari contract

Leclerc also touched on the reaction to his new Ferrari contract, with some people questioning whether it was the right move for his career.

One of the main concerns is that Leclerc has failed to challenge for a title with Ferrari and remains stuck on eight F1 Grand Prix victories.

However, Leclerc claimed that his goal is to win the world title with Ferrari, something he isn’t ready to give up on.

Leclerc added: “Today, especially in Formula 1, every decision is observed, judged, and analysed. But behind all of that, there is always a human side. This is where I feel happy and where I can be myself.

“I want to keep pursuing what I have always wanted: to become World Champion in red with Ferrari. I’m not looking for unanimity.

“Every choice can be debated, but this is the one that makes me happy. It’s the mission of my life, and I want to dedicate all the time and work needed to achieve it, without regrets and without thinking I didn’t try hard enough.”