Charles Leclerc's mega deal: Ferrari's bid for glory and the high-stakes break clause

The plan is reportedly to extend his stay until the end of the 2029 Formula 1 season.

Leclerc's existing five-year deal, inked in 2019, is poised to conclude at the end of the upcoming season, leaving the stage set for a potentially lucrative renewal. 

Sources from Italy's authoritative La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that the talented driver's current salary of around $25 million per season is expected to soar, reaching nearly $50 million in the final year of the proposed contract.

The financial landscape mirrors the league of top earners in Formula 1, putting Leclerc on par with Red Bull's Max Verstappen, whose own deal is scheduled to conclude at the close of the 2028 season. This potential mega deal underscores Ferrari's commitment to retaining Leclerc's services, recognizing his prowess on the track.

Yet, as the anticipation builds for the signing of this lucrative contract, it is crucial to note the pressure mounting on both Leclerc and Ferrari. The storied team have endured a 16-season drought since their last World Championship win in 2008. Leclerc himself clinched his most recent victory at the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix, intensifying the thirst for triumph in the iconic red garages of Maranello.

La Gazzetta also reveal a strategic clause embedded in the proposed contract – a break clause that could be triggered if Ferrari fail to attain a competitive edge within three years. This contractual safeguard hints at a mutual understanding between the team and the driver, ensuring that both parties remain committed to the pursuit of Formula 1 glory.

As the curtain falls on the 2023 F1 season and the paddocks hibernate for the winter break, the motorsport world eagerly awaits the spectacle that the 2024 season promises. The action will kick off with official F1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, from February 23 to 25. 

This pivotal period will serve as a crucial litmus test for Ferrari and Leclerc, setting the stage for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead in their quest for Formula 1 supremacy.

 

Read More: Fred Vasseur urges Ferrari to find better efficiency in 2024 (planetsport.com)