Charles Leclerc bashes $216 million Ferrari contract rumors

Amidst all the contract rumors, fans anticipate Leclerc's first win of 2023.

Charles Leclerc bashes $216 million Ferrari contract rumors

Charles Leclerc. (image via IMAGO)

Charles Leclerc is one of the best talents on the current Formula 1 grid. The Monegasque driver joined Scuderia Ferrari in 2019 and delivered some incredible performances in red. However, the 25-year-old is due for a new contract at the end of 2022 with rumors already surfacing in the paddock. Now, Leclerc has dismissed claims of a massive $216 million Ferrari contract.

The Monegasque driver was rumored to have a new long-term contract at Maranello worth over $200 million dollars. However, Leclerc has made it clear that such a large sum of money is unfortunately not on the table for the 25-year-old. Though Charles Leclerc loved the idea of such a great deal. He said, “I wish I did this deal because it looked like I did a good deal!”

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Charles Leclerc got his first contract extension with Maranello at the end of 2019 that spans till 2024. This five-year deal was the longest contract in the history of Ferrari. Even Michael Schumacher never received such a big extension despite achieving record-breaking success with the Scuderia. Certainly, Leclerc would be looking to get another long-term deal in place soon.

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Charles Leclerc awaits a race win in 2023

Charles Leclerc wearing special overalls for the 2023 Monaco GP (image via 1000cuorirossoblu.it)
Charles Leclerc wearing special overalls for the 2023 Monaco GP. (image via 1000cuorirossoblu.it)

Ferrari fell behind its rivals at the start of the 2023 season. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz proved no match to Max Verstappen in the dominant Red Bull RB-19. However, the Scuderia has been working on upgrades over the course of the year with new design concepts in a bid to catch Milton Keynes. Although, these upgrades have not been enough till now.

Previously, Charles Leclerc had admitted that it would be an uphill task to bridge the gap to Red Bull. Nevertheless, Ferrari would be aiming to take a step forward at this weekend’s Dutch GP as F1 returns after the summer break. However, Leclerc and Sainz would be on the back foot at Verstappen’s home race at the historic Zandvoort Circuit.

Finally, Charles Leclerc has put an end to speculation surrounding his Ferrari contract. The 25-year-old insisted that the amount is not the alleged $216 million. However, the Monegasque driver did not reveal the real sum that is being discussed. It remains to be seen when Leclerc signs a new deal with the Scuderia for the future.

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