Recent reports from Italy indicate a snag in Carlos Sainz’s discussions with Ferrari about extending his contract beyond 2024, possibly leading to his departure from the team at year’s end.
Carlos Sainz’s negotiations with Ferrari for a new deal beyond 2024 “have become complicated.”
This is the claim made by several Italian media outlets in recent days, suggesting that the Spaniard might leave Maranello at the end of the year.
Ferrari has inked a new, long, and lucrative agreement with Charles Leclerc – interpreted as a move to subtly end the team’s Mattia Binotto era policy of having two equal ‘number 1’ drivers.
“Sainz is ambitious,” it’s acknowledged in the corridors of Maranello. “He wants to win a world title. But it’s this tenacity that has become an issue in a Scuderia Ferrari focused on Leclerc.”
“Frédéric Vasseur is now aligning with Chairman John Elkann, who wants a team with one striker, Leclerc.”
If a split occurs, 29-year-old Sainz and his famous father and namesake have hinted that Sauber (Audi F1 in 2026) might be the next destination.
Ferrari has clear options for a new ‘number 2’ for Leclerc – like Oliver Bearman, the 18-year-old favorite for this year’s Formula 2 title, now a reserve driver for Ferrari.
Another impressive driver currently linked to a move to Ferrari is Alex Albon, who is out of contract at Williams for 2025.
Albon might hesitate to sign on as Leclerc’s number 2, as he’s holding out for something even better – like succeeding Lewis Hamilton or George Russell at Mercedes F1.
Three of the four leading teams have a top driver for many years to come: Red Bull with Verstappen, Ferrari with Leclerc, McLaren with Norris. But Mercedes has only signed its drivers until the end of 2025…
Sainz Ferrari Contract Complications With Ferrari. Sainz Ferrari Contract Complications With Ferrari
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