Ferrari Driver Contracts: What Lies Ahead

In a season filled with uncertainty, the future of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari has been shrouded in puzzlement. While both drivers have deals until the end of 2024, recent rumors suggest that there may be more to the story.

Delays and Chaos:

The speculation surrounding Sainz’s position within the team has caused quite a stir. Team Principal Frederic Vasseur initially mentioned sorting out paperwork by the end of this year but as weeks turned into months, no official confirmation was given. This led to further rumors that Leclerc had secured a lucrative five-year deal worth up to €50 million per annum.

Vasseur sheds light on what really happened behind closed doors, stating that negotiations were put on hold due to a demanding end to the 2023 campaign resulting in chaos. Despite this setback, Vasseur reassures fans that an official decision will be made soon.

Future Plans:

Vasseur confirms that both drivers are contracted until 2024, leaving ample time for discussions about their futures at Ferrari. He emphasizes that there is no rush and believes they are ahead compared to other teams like Mercedes who announced new deals much later in August.

Equal Treatment:

Vasseur makes it clear that despite external perceptions of Leclerc being Ferrari’s leading light, both drivers enjoy equal status within the team. This was exemplified during the Singapore Grand Prix when Leclerc sacrificed his tire choice to defend against George Russell, ultimately helping Sainz secure the team’s only win of the season.

Vasseur highlights that both drivers have performed admirably, with Leclerc securing fifth place with 206 points and Sainz close behind in seventh with 200 points. He emphasizes that their contributions are valued equally and promises to maintain this level playing field moving forward.

What’s Next?

The future remains uncertain for Sainz and Leclerc at Ferrari. While no official announcement has been made yet, insiders predict a three-year extension for Leclerc and a two-year deal for Sainz. Fans eagerly await further updates from the Scuderia as they navigate through these intriguing contract negotiations.