Carlos Sainz confident in securing long-term Ferrari deal

Carlos Sainz expects to safe a multi-year contract extension with Ferrari, as F1 information tales about his future with the crew flow into.

The final eighteen months have proven the unpredictability of the F1 driver market. Affectionately referred to as “silly season, ” the method of drivers swapping groups has turn into more and more intense lately. Next yr may very well be particularly risky, with over half the sector on contracts that expire in 2024. Among them is Carlos Sainz.

Ferrari is at present combating Mercedes for second within the Championship in what has confirmed a difficult season. Excluding the primary half of 2022, the Italian outfit has solely fought for infrequent victories and podium finishes since Sainz arrived in 2021.

Generally talking, the Spaniard has carried out at a robust degree for the Scuderia. Having outscored Charles Leclerc in 2021, he stunned most followers with velocity in comparison with the highly-rated Monegasque. Although Leclerc comfortably outperformed Sainz final yr, their nearly three-year spell as teammates signifies they’re evenly matched.

Perhaps the very best proof of their closeness is the 2023 season. The Ferrari duo are separated by just a few factors within the standings, each struggling ups and downs all year long.

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This has led to friction and disagreement on the pit-wall on a number of events. Sainz and Leclerc are sometimes competing for a similar part of monitor, resulting in some shut calls in Monza and Hungary. Some would argue it is a energy, with each drivers competing at a excessive degree and pushing the crew ahead.

Others are much less optimistic. In a hypothetical Championship battle, there are these in F1 who consider a transparent “number 1” driver is critical. Regardless of how credible this argument is, it would absolutely impression Ferrari’s decision-making when deciding their driver pairing.

Sainz anticipates a contract extension

Amidst all of this debate, Carlos Sainz is assured that an settlement can be reached over winter:

“I think there’s never been a doubt that I’m very comfortable at Ferrari, that I want to be here for the medium to long term,” he advised Sky Sports.

“Also, the truth that there was all the time excessive confidence between every social gathering. For me, the wins and podiums, the one factor they do is reassure every part that we already knew.

“I hope that the winter is an efficient alternative to seek out an settlement and proceed working sooner or later.

“Because it’s the place that I love driving for, and see myself driving and trying to help [win] a world championship soon.”

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Vasseur pleased with Sainz-Leclerc duo

As beforehand talked about, solely a handful of drivers have a contract for 2025 and past. Therefore, the vast majority of drivers can be working to safe a brand new deal. This will make the winter interval very enlightening – since it would present which groups are most passionate about signing present or new expertise.

If Sainz, for instance, agrees to a brand new Ferrari contract earlier than subsequent season begins, it would present Maranello’s perception in his skills. Conversely, any delays in saying an extension will point out there may be some hesitancy.

As it stands, there isn’t a purpose why Sainz can not proceed at Ferrari. Up till now, crew principal Fred Vasseur has been very optimistic concerning the crew’s driver mixture. With that mentioned, the following 12 months will reply any questions concerning the path of the driving force market.