Charles Leclerc’s extension not only secures Ferrari’s sporting future: it could also propel the Scuderia beyond a salary threshold never before reached in Formula 1.
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The announcement of Charles Leclerc’s contract extension was enthusiastically received by the tifosi, but it also raises another question: how much is Ferrari willing to invest to keep its star driver?
Although the financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, several estimates indicate that the Scuderia could now have the most expensive driver duo in the entire history of Formula 1.
A contract extended, but figures kept secret
As is often the case in Formula 1, Ferrari has been discreet about the exact terms of Charles Leclerc’s new commitment. The Italian team simply confirmed that the Monegasque would remain in Maranello for the coming seasons, without specifying the duration of the agreement.
However, this lack of information has not prevented speculation from multiplying regarding the 28-year-old driver’s salary. One thing seems certain: this extension is likely accompanied by a significant raise.
Before this signing, Leclerc was already earning an estimated salary of around 34 million euros per season. A substantial amount, but significantly less than that of his teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton and Leclerc: a duo worth over 100 million euros?
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari last year considerably changed the team’s financial balance. According to several paddock estimates, the seven-time world champion earns about 60 million euros per year.
With Leclerc’s new extension, some projections now suggest a salary that could reach 50 million euros annually for the Monegasque.
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If these figures are confirmed, Ferrari would then surpass the symbolic threshold of 100 million euros in combined remuneration for its two drivers. An unprecedented milestone in the history of the sport.
Such a sum would perfectly illustrate the Scuderia’s ambition, determined to bring together the best available talents to return to the top of Formula 1.
Red Bull remains far behind despite Verstappen
Ferrari would thus have a considerable lead over its rivals in terms of salary investment. Behind the Scuderia, Red Bull would occupy second place with a payroll estimated at around 75 million euros.
The majority of this amount would be allocated to Max Verstappen. The four-time world champion alone would earn nearly 70 million euros per season, leaving a much smaller share to his teammate.
This comparison highlights a very different strategy between the two teams. While Red Bull focuses its resources around a single superstar, Ferrari seems to bet on two top drivers capable of simultaneously targeting both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
An investment matching Ferrari’s ambitions
Beyond the figures, this extension mainly confirms the total confidence placed in Charles Leclerc. Present within the Scuderia since 2019, the Monegasque has established himself as one of the symbols of the Ferrari project.
By associating Leclerc with Hamilton for the long term, Maranello clearly displays its ambitions for the coming years. And if the salary estimates prove accurate, Ferrari will have never invested so much in its driver duo in an attempt to bring world titles back to Italy.
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