Sainz expresses reluctance to begin 2024 season without fresh Formula 1 agreement
Carlos Sainz’s Future at Ferrari: Contract Talks and Speculations
The 2025 silly season in Formula 1 is already creating a buzz, with the contracts of Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc set to expire at the end of 2024. While Leclerc is expected to sign a new long-term deal with Ferrari soon, all eyes are also on Sainz as he hopes to finalize his future with the Italian team this winter.
Sainz expressed his desire to enter the 2024 season without any distractions regarding his next destination. Speaking at a sponsor event in Madrid, he stated, “My goal is to start 2024 knowing where I’m going to race in 2025. I wouldn’t like to start the season without knowing my next destination.”
The Spanish driver emphasized that staying at Ferrari for many more years is his priority. He expressed satisfaction with how he has been valued by incoming team boss Fred Vasseur and hopes that such appreciation will be reflected in a multi-year contract.
Sainz revealed, “Obviously I want to renew, and I’d like to renew for more than one year, not just two. You know my intentions and honestly I feel perfectly valued by Fred and by the whole Ferrari family in general; I feel loved.”
Despite feeling positive about reaching an agreement with Ferrari, Sainz acknowledged that both parties need time to finalize their discussions before the upcoming race season begins. He said they have three months until then but remains confident that an agreement can be reached on terms satisfactory for him.
Fred Vasseur echoed similar sentiments during last week’s Christmas lunch at Maranello when asked about their driver situation. He assured everyone that there was ample time left for negotiations despite some delays caused by the chaotic end of the previous season.
Vasseur stated, “It’s quite comfortable; we have still a lot of weeks and months in front of us. I told [the press] that I would try to take a decision before the end of the year. I have to admit that the last part of the season was a big chaos for everybody.”
He continued, “We had meetings and started discussions, but we are late compared to the initial plan. But it’s not an issue at all. We are much in advance compared to other teams like Mercedes who announced new deals for their drivers much later.”
The 2023 Formula 1 season witnessed Sainz delivering Ferrari its only win at the Singapore Grand Prix amidst Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s dominant performances. With Leclerc finishing ahead in seventh place in the drivers’ championship standings, Sainz is eager to continue making his mark with Ferrari.
As fans eagerly await news about Carlos Sainz’s future at Ferrari, it remains uncertain how contract negotiations will unfold during this intriguing off-season period.