Both Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris have extended their contracts with their respectable teams at Ferrari and McLaren.
Leclerc's contract was announced last Thursday, with Norris' renewal revealed the following day on their teams websites.
IMAGE: PLANET SPORT
Ferrari announced that Leclerc will race for the team "beyond the 2024 season," with no length mentioned in the announcement.
Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur commented on the extension of Leclerc's contract with the team via Ferrari's announcement:
"Charles’ bond to the Scuderia goes beyond that of just a driver and a team, as he has been part of the Ferrari family for eight years now, dating back to a time before he first sported the Prancing Horse emblem on his race suit. His values and those of our team are intertwined and so it was natural for us to be in agreement on extending our collaboration. We know him for his incessant desire to push himself to the limit and we appreciate his extraordinary abilities when it comes to fighting and overtaking in a race. We are determined to give Charles a winning car and I know that his determination and commitment are elements that can make the difference in helping us reach our goals."
Leclerc also shared his thoughts on staying with Ferrari, which he has been associated with since 2016:
"I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come. To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old: I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend’s apartment at Ste. Devote corner and I would always look out for the red cars. This team is my second family ever since I joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 and we have achieved a lot together, fighting through thick and thin over the past five years. However, I believe the best is yet to come and I can’t wait for this season to start, to make further progress and be competitive at every race. My dream remains that of winning the World Championship with Ferrari and I’m sure that in the years ahead, we will enjoy great times together and make our fans happy."
Norris has signed a "multi-year" contract, according to McLaren's announcement,with, no exact length mentioned.
His previous contract lasted him until the end of the 2025 season, and there is only mention of Norris continuing with the team "beyond the 2025 season.".
Lando Norris shared his thoughts on staying with McLaren ahead of what will be his sixth season with the team:
“It’s a great feeling to be staying in papaya. I’ve grown up with McLaren and feel at home here, the team are like family to me. The journey so far has been exciting, we’ve had ups and downs, but last season showed our desire to get back to competing at the front of the grid."
“The work Zak, Andrea and the whole team have put in over the last year has been incredible and I’m confident in challenging for wins with McLaren. I’m excited to create more amazing memories and continue working hard with everyone at MTC for the next few years.”
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella also commented on the news of Norris extending his contract:
“I’m pleased to confirm the extension of our partnership with Lando on a multi-year contract beyond 2025. This reflects the commitment and confidence we have together, with our shared ambition to ultimately win championships again in the future."
“Lando has grown as a driver and a person since initially joining McLaren in 2017. He impressed last season, playing an important role in our progress throughout the year, securing seven podiums with many fantastic drives."
“Alongside Oscar, our exciting driver pairing will play an instrumental part in our objective to move towards the front of the grid. They have impressed in their first season together and I’m looking forward to continuing the hard work with them both on this exciting journey.”
Despite rumours of Norris moving to Red Bull at the end of last season and a few rumours surrounding Leclerc's future, it seems both are committed to their teams for the next few years at least.