As Ferrari renews Leclerc’s contract, attention turns to Carlos Sainz. With his future uncertain, negotiations are crucial for the Spaniard amidst the backdrop of Ferrari’s strategic planning.
On Thursday, January 25, Ferrari announced Leclerc’s multi-year renewal. The team did not disclose the exact duration, only mentioning it spans “several upcoming seasons”. However, no mention was made of his teammate Carlos Sainz, whose future seems unclear.
Carlos Sainz is not content with just a one-year extension. Similar to Leclerc, before Thursday’s announcement, his contract with Ferrari is set to expire at the end of 2024. But, there has been no talk of the Spaniard’s future. La Gazzetta dello Sport points out that negotiations are at a critical point, which coincides with the duration of the driver’s stay at Ferrari.
Sainz’s words on his future.
Despite strong links to Audi, Sainz favors a multi-year deal with Ferrari, keeping him with the team even after the German team’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026. “Obviously, I want to renew and would like to do so for more than a year,” says the 29-year-old Spaniard.
Car number 55 continues: “I feel valued by Vasseur and the entire Ferrari family in general. I am convinced that if we both want it, we will find an agreement on a duration that satisfies me.” However, it’s thought that Ferrari is offering him just one year, 2025, to keep other options open in the driver market.
The most significant alternative for the Spanish driver, however, remains Audi. His father and 2024 Dakar champion Carlos Sainz Sr has admitted that the German manufacturer, set to take over Sauber in 2026, could be an option for his son.
Statements by carlos sainz sr.
Speaking with the Spanish outlet Motor.es following his Dakar victory with Audi, Sainz Sr stated: “As you would expect, being part of the Audi family, it’s logical that we talk and share opinions about what the German team can offer in the future.”
He then discussed the Audi project for Formula 1, saying: “In my opinion, Audi is a guarantee. I know how seriously they take each project and understand what the German mindset in motorsport involves, with its advantages and some disadvantages. We all know that Formula 1 is a bit of a unique world, but I have a lot of respect for the German automaker.”
The Spaniard continues: “I think it’s only a matter of time before they achieve success in the premier class of motorsport. I don’t have a crystal ball, but Audi has all my respect and I believe they are doing everything possible to ensure the project is valid and credible.” And since Leclerc is often considered Ferrari’s favored driver, a move to Audi would give Sainz the chance to finally be the number one driver in his team.
What’s the status of Carlos Sainz’s 2024 Ferrari contract? What’s the status of Carlos Sainz’s 2024 Ferrari contract?
- ReadMore>F1’S MULTI-YEAR DEALS: TREND OR BAD HABIT?
- Following us on Facebook and Twitter.
