F1 Today: Leclerc pens new Ferrari deal, Hamilton absent from FIA Monaco GP list

Leclerc and the Ferrari team earlier announced that the Monegasque has committed his future to the Italian outfit after both parties confirmed a contract extension that will keep the 28-year-old driver in red for the coming seasons of Formula 1.

The agreement marks the latest chapter in a relationship that has spanned a decade, with Leclerc first joining the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 before rising through the ranks to become one of the most prominent figures in Formula 1.

Ferrari confirmed the renewal, describing Leclerc as a central figure in the team's present and future ambitions. The eight-time Grand Prix winner has become synonymous with the Maranello outfit since joining the Formula 1 team in 2019, delivering race victories, pole positions and podium finishes while establishing himself as one of the sport's fastest and most talented drivers.

Max Verstappen and Leclerc will headline this weekend’s FIA press conference at the Monaco Grand Prix, while Hamilton is set to miss out on the general press session on Thursday.

The FIA earlier released the list of drivers scheduled to attend the press conference ahead of Thursday’s media day, with hometown hero Leclerc and Red Bull Racing star Verstappen joined by several other drivers. Hamilton, however, will instead fulfil other media commitments in the paddock, alongside a number of drivers absent from the press conference line-up.

The first group of drivers is scheduled to speak to the media at 14:30 local time (13:30 BST) and includes Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto, reigning world champion Lando Norris, and Leclerc. The second group will follow at 15:00 local time (14:00 BST), with Haas’ Esteban Ocon and Williams F1 team driver Alex Albon, alongside Verstappen, all set to take centre stage.

The traditional team principals' press conference, which takes place following the opening practice session on Friday, is scheduled for 15:30 local time (14:30 BST). Flavio Briatore for the Alpine team, Pedro de la Rosa for Aston Martin, and Dan Towriss of the sport’s newest outfit, Cadillac, are all expected to face questions from the media.