It’s no secret that Charles Leclerc has an undying love for Ferrari. Even though he played an important role in pushing his team to P3 on the constructors’ board, the 2021 season wasn’t ideal for the driver. Leclerc may have to improve his game, as the fine lines in his contract may prove destructive for the driver.

Leclerc’s contract with Ferrari has a very interesting termination clause. If the team fails to replicate its P3 finish at the least, the clause will come into play. This helps keep Leclerc ambitious and in check, keeping him away from other teams.

This keeps the team competitive as well, also giving Leclerc confidence on their part. 2022 is looking to be a massive season for Ferrari, who seem excited about the machine brewing in Maranello. Thus, it will be key for the team, as well as their trusty driver.

Read more: The Light-Hearted Exchange Between Toto Wolff & Christian Horner After Abu Dhabi F1 Controversy

Charles Leclerc has a disappointing end to 2021

It hasn’t been the best year for Leclerc. His teammate, Carlos Sainz has managed four podiums and finished P5 in the drivers’ championship- all in his debut year with the team. This clearly outshines Leclerc’s single Silverstone podium; although the two have kept it close and have an incredibly healthy relationship, it’s not what Leclerc would’ve wanted.

Yet, Ferrari knows they have a gem in the Monegasque. Leclerc has been nothing but dedicated to his Ferrari seat long before he got it, and it’s something the team knows will continue for a long time.

Team principal Mattia Binotto had said, “We have invested in him for the long term because we are fully convinced he will be the man to become the next World Champion.”

With Ferrari known for its greatness, Binotto is rest assured that Leclerc is no less. “Charles is very good at managing pressure, he is capable of winning thanks to his winning mentality required when you are in the lead, managing the situation. He has a fantastic talent.”

Further, Binotto likened the driver to some of Maranello’s finest. “This distinguishes the talented from the good drivers. If you are talented, you are capable of getting everything out of the car, putting together a fantastic lap. That was the case with Michael [Schumacher] and Fernando [Alonso].”

With the team confident in him, and vice versa, undoubtedly Leclerc will bring his magic back on the track in 2022; this time around with a potentially championship-winning car.

Watch this story: Ranking the Best Special Edition Liveries of Red Bull F1