Mika Hakkinen backs Charles Leclerc new Ferrari deal: Keep life simple for Formula 1 titles
F1 OpinionWednesday, 10 June 2026 at 12:22
Charles Leclerc has made the right decision by committing his future to Ferrari, according to two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen, who believes stability is often the missing ingredient in a driver's quest for championship success.
Ferrari confirmed ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix that Leclerc has extended his contract beyond 2028, ending speculation over his long-term future.
The Monegasque has been part of the Ferrari family since joining the Driver Academy in 2016 before stepping up to the race team in 2019, and remains widely regarded as one of Formula 1's quickest drivers despite winning only eight races from 27 pole positions.
Hakkinen, who built his championship-winning career with McLaren, believes too many drivers make the mistake of abandoning projects too early.
Speaking to F1.com, the Finn said: "I think Charles is a great personality. He's a great racing driver, he's in a good team and going through for the future, I'm confident he can [succeed].
"But if you want to be a winner, if you want to win a World Championship, keep your life simple. Don't make it too complicated!"
Hakkinen warns against constant team changes
Leclerc's loyalty to Ferrari has often been questioned as the Scuderia continues its search for a first Drivers' Championship since Kimi Räikkönen secured the crown in 2007.
Despite flashes of brilliance, including a runner-up finish in 2022, Leclerc has yet to challenge consistently for a title. Nevertheless, Hakkinen believes remaining with one organisation allows drivers and teams to develop the understanding required to unlock peak performance.
"What happens very often for drivers who have been with a team two, three years and there's no success, they are still in a feeling that they are the best; that the problem is not you, it's about the team," Hakkinen explained.
"When the drivers start changing teams too often, you never can find the stability. People don't learn to understand who you really are, what is required, what kind of car is required for this talented driver to really perform at 100%.
"Then they start swapping different teams and nobody ever learns who you really are."
The comments echo a long-held belief in Formula 1 that continuity can be as valuable as outright speed, particularly during major regulation cycles when teams are building towards future success.
Ferrari dream balanced by business reality
Leclerc admitted in Monaco that his decision to remain at Ferrari was influenced by both his emotional attachment to the team and confidence in its long-term prospects. He also acknowledged that rival teams had shown interest before he signed the extension.
Hakkinen, however, stressed that sentiment alone should never drive a career decision in Formula 1: "This is a very cruel world. It's a business. You need to be selfish, in one sense.
"I didn't feel, for example, after my accident, like I had to stay with McLaren… For me, it was obvious to be with McLaren. But Formula 1 is a calculated operation. Your management has to do the right thing. You have to trust them."
The Finn was referring to the life-threatening crash he suffered at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix, after which McLaren stood by him during his recovery before he went on to win world titles in 1998 and 1999.
Asked whether Leclerc can eventually end Ferrari's championship drought, Hakkinen stopped short of making a prediction but made clear he hopes the Monegasque finally gets his moment: "I'm a brand ambassador for Formula 1, but I'm also a brand ambassador for McLaren. So… I wish him all the best!
"But Charles is a great personality, a great guy. I wish he can one day be a World Champion. I think it would be great, of course, for him. He's been working very hard for years. It would be great for Monaco and of course for Ferrari," concluded the double F1 World Champion.
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