Charles Leclerc was actually out of contract in 2026 before signing new Ferrari deal

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Charles Leclerc has signed a new multi-year contract with Ferrari. He had signed a multi-year deal in 2024 believed to run until 2029, but it turns out it was set to expire this season.

The Monegasque driver’s future in Maranello was uncertain as he was linked with several teams up and down the paddock.

Now, the speculation will be shut down, with Leclerc signing a new contract with Ferrari on Wednesday. As journalist Roberto Chinchero has come to find out, his future was a lot less secure than previously thought.

Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari contract was due to expire in 2026

It was reported that Leclerc was free to break his contract, which was said to expire in 2029, in 2026, hence the links to several rivals. But Chinchero says, with this new deal, he was actually due to be out of contract this year.

He said via Motorsport.com Italia: “Third contract extension with the team. Well, it’s starting to be quite a long story. The first extension came in December 2019, as you’ll recall, at the end of what had been his brilliant rookie season.

“The victory at Spa—which, I must say, was also imbued with great significance for Leclerc, due to the passing of Anthoine Hubert, his friend, one of his closest friends with whom he’d grown up in the junior categories.

“Seven days after, the triumph at Monza, I think Leclerc’s first real walkabout in red, and it came after that very brilliant season and a 5-year contract.

“Then in January 2024, a so-called multi-year agreement was announced, but in light of what we’ve learned today, it was actually a two-year deal, so I think he’ll continue on the wave of the two-year deal, regardless of the clauses and everything else that might be included in the various contracts.”

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Aston Martin, McLaren and Red Bull were all chasing Charles Leclerc’s signature

Leclerc’s extension with Ferrari ends any links with other teams, with several outfits being interested in his services.

McLaren were keen on Leclerc, with rumours that he could replace Oscar Piastri in a swap deal. Leclerc’s manager also spoke with Red Bull to discuss his situation, with the Milton Keynes outfit highlighting him as a potential Max Verstappen replacement.

Aston Martin also contacted Leclerc, with Fernando Alonso contemplating retirement at the end of 2026. But all of that speculation has been put to rest, with the Monegasque driver set to stay with Ferrari in 2027 alongside Lewis Hamilton.