The Formula 1 world was rocked by shocking news: Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque prodigy of Scuderia Ferrari, reportedly demanded a higher salary than his new teammate, living legend Lewis Hamilton, to renew his contract with the Italian team. This bold demand, which thrust Leclerc into the spotlight, sparked waves of reaction in the paddock. But what truly surprised observers was the unexpected response of Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur, who handled the situation with a mixture of pragmatism and calm, reinforcing his image as a master strategist.
The story begins with the negotiations surrounding the renewal of Leclerc’s contract, which now runs until 2029. According to sources close to the team, including Gazzetta dello Sport , Leclerc has reportedly asked for an annual salary of more than €60 million, a figure that would put him above Hamilton, whose salary at Ferrari for 2025 is estimated at between €50 and €60 million per year, according to various publications such as Capital and Le Parisien . This request marks a turning point for Leclerc, often considered the “prince” of Ferrari, but who now seems to want to assert his status as the undisputed leader within the team. With a progressive contract, his salary could reach €50 million by 2029, a progression that reflects his confidence in his central role in Ferrari’s ambitions.
This bold salary demand comes as Ferrari pulled off a masterstroke by signing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. The Briton’s arrival, replacing Carlos Sainz, upset the balance within the team. Sainz, whose salary was around €11 million according to Forbes , represented a much smaller financial burden. With Hamilton, Ferrari not only went bankrupt, but also had to manage the dynamic between two top drivers. Leclerc, aware of his importance to the team—he spearheaded Ferrari for several seasons and won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2024—sees this situation as an opportunity to renegotiate his status.
What makes the situation even more fascinating is Frédéric Vasseur’s reaction. Contrary to popular belief, the Ferrari boss did not seek to impose a rigid hierarchy between his drivers. In an interview with Autohebdo , Vasseur stated that he wanted to maintain equality between Leclerc and Hamilton, faithful to the philosophy he had established with Leclerc and Sainz in previous years. “We have demonstrated that we don’t have a number one in recent seasons,” he said, dismissing speculation about a possible internal rivalry. This approach came as a surprise, as many expected Vasseur to favor Hamilton, given his track record and international reputation. Instead, he chose to promote Leclerc while integrating Hamilton, highlighting the Monegasque’s key role in the team’s transition through 2025.
Vasseur also emphasized Leclerc’s importance in preparing for next season. With his experience at Ferrari, Leclerc will be the team’s “point of reference” during the first tests, helping Hamilton adapt to the car and the Maranello environment. This additional responsibility partly justifies Leclerc’s salary request, which sees his role evolve beyond that of a simple driver. It’s a strong signal: Ferrari is counting on the complementarity of its two stars to regain a world title, an ambition that has been absent since 2008 among the constructors and 2007 among the drivers.
However, this situation is not without risks. The coexistence of two such talented drivers could create tensions, especially if Leclerc continues to assert his leadership. Observers question Ferrari’s ability to manage this dynamic, especially since the 2026 season will introduce new engine regulations, a crucial issue for the team. The release clause included in Leclerc’s contract, which could be activated at the end of 2026, adds an additional layer of uncertainty. If results are not forthcoming, the Monegasque driver could consider other options, despite his ties to Ferrari.
Meanwhile, the tifosi are holding their breath. Hamilton’s arrival and Leclerc’s rise to prominence promise an explosive 2025 season. Vasseur, with his legendary calm, seems to have the cards in hand to make this salary ambition a driving force for the team. But one question remains: will Leclerc be able to surpass Hamilton, not only in terms of salary, but also on the track? The answer will be decided at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, 2025.
