Mika Hakkinen backs Charles Leclerc on Ferrari contract extension
It is a rare thing to see such loyalty in modern Formula 1, but Mika Hakkinen has come out in full support of Charles Leclerc’s decision to extend his contract with Ferrari beyond the end of 2028. While some observers might have questioned the move, the two-time champion—who famously made 131 of his 161 starts with McLaren—sees the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary complications. According to Hakkinen, stability is the most potent weapon for a driver seeking a World Championship.
“If you want to be a winner, if you want to win a World Championship, keep your life simple,” Hakkinen insisted. He pointed out that jumping between teams prevents anyone from truly understanding how to extract 100% performance from a specific driver. For Leclerc, who has been with the Scuderia since 2019, the decision is rooted in a long-standing belief in the project and a clear appreciation for the team that helped build his career.
Leclerc, who admitted to fielding interest from other teams, is sticking with the machine he knows best despite a record of 27 pole positions against only eight victories. Hakkinen noted that while the business of F1 is inherently cruel, there is a distinct advantage in building that long-term bond. Whether that loyalty eventually brings a title—the first since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007—remains to be seen, but Hakkinen is clearly rooting for the Monegasque.
