P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Tying down Charles Leclerc to a new contract is reportedly Ferrari’s priority in the driver market.
The F1 2024 driver line-up remains unchanged from the previous year, marking the first time in history for such consistency. However, the upcoming season could see a wave of driver changes as many contracts expire and team principals grow impatient. Ferrari, alongside Red Bull, is striving to secure their long-term driver duo. While Charles Leclerc has been in contract talks for some time, he has yet to sign a new deal. Leclerc, who reportedly earned $19 million last year, is seeking a significant pay rise and is currently set to become a free agent after this season. Although Italian media previously reported that Leclerc had agreed to a new five-year contract with Ferrari, negotiations are ongoing, and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur suggests that there is no rush to finalize deals. Leclerc’s decision could depend on the early performances of the team and the offers he receives from other top teams, as Red Bull retains Max Verstappen and Mercedes is committed to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
