Ferrari strike staggering €100 million mark as Verstappen backs FIA
Ferrari have reached a historic financial milestone for the sport, as the announcement of Charles Leclerc’s fresh contract pushed the team’s combined salary bill for its two drivers beyond the €100 million mark for the first time in Formula 1 history. The figure underscores the scale of the salaries that now accompany the sport’s top talents and highlights how a driver lineup in one of the sport’s most prestigious teams can drive a substantial portion of a team’s annual wage expenditure. Leclerc, the beloved home favorite at Ferrari, took the opportunity of media day ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend to outline the reasoning behind his decision to extend his stay with the Scuderia, detailing what motivates him to remain part of the Italian outfit and how the partnership aligns with his long-term ambitions.
The Monégasque driver spoke about his deep connection to Ferrari and to the city of Maranello, emphasizing that the decision to sign a new deal was guided by a combination of personal fulfilment and professional alignment. He framed the contract extension as an agreement built on trust, shared goals, and the sense that he and Ferrari are collectively pursuing a path toward sustained competitiveness. Leclerc referenced the team’s historical resilience and the ongoing evolution of their project, stressing that the current environment provides a strong platform for him to push for victories and to contribute to building something enduring for the longer term. He also touched on the support he receives from the tifosi, noting how the energy and expectations from the Ferrari faithful add to the responsibility he bears when racing at the team’s home base, as well as during high-profile weekends like Monaco.
From Ferrari’s perspective, the milestone underscores the financial commitment the team is placing behind a driver who remains central to their on-track strategy and brand narrative. The €100 million salary threshold signals a broader industry trend where top-tier teams are investing heavily in their stars to maintain a competitive edge, particularly as the sport continues to evolve with rule changes and new technical regulations. The deal is a statement of intent from Ferrari, signaling that they view Leclerc as a pivotal piece in their long-term strategy to challenge for championships and to restore the team to the summit of Formula 1.
In the same media day frame, Max Verstappen voiced his support for the FIA as it considers changes intended for the 2027 season. The Red Bull driver indicated that while change can bring growing pains, the sport’s governing body must steer its reforms in a way that preserves competition, safety, and the overall integrity of racing. Verstappen’s stance reflected a broader sentiment across the paddock that any adjustments ahead of the next technical cycle should be measured and evidence-based, balancing the desire for innovation with the need for stability on the track.
On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton offered a tempered assessment of Ferrari’s championship prospects heading into this weekend’s Monaco event. While he did not dismiss Ferrari’s potential outright, he urged caution against prematurely crowning any one team as the clear favorite. Hamilton pointed to the field’s depth and the evolving performance landscape, noting that Mercedes, along with rivals, could still mount a credible challenge as the season unfolds. He underscored that Monaco, with its unique demands and high-precision execution, tends to reward teams that can blend strong qualifying performance with reliable race pace and smart energy management.
The Monaco Grand Prix weekend continues to attract attention for more than just the on-track action. The dramatic salary milestone, the ongoing push for governance reforms, and the shifting dynamics of the challenger field all contribute to a broader storyline about how the sport is evolving both commercially and technically. Ferrari’s decision to commit so heavily to Leclerc signals their conviction in his ability to deliver results and help steer the team toward a renewed era of success. Verstappen’s endorsement of FIA reform adds another layer of political nuance to the weekend, as teams and drivers navigate the regulatory landscape that shapes every aspect of the championship.
As Monaco approaches, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Ferrari capitalizes on the momentum generated by Leclerc’s contract news, how Verstappen’s stance translates into practical support for regulatory changes, and how the rest of the grid adjusts to the shifting balance of power that a pair of high-stakes statements can provoke. The next chapters of this season promise to be as compelling as the iconic circuit itself, with every press conference and every performance on track contributing to the evolving narrative of Formula 1 in 2027.