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Charles Leclerc Contract Extension With Ferrari Raises Questions About Carlos Sainz’s Future

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Ferrari stole headlines across the Formula 1 world on Thursday when it announced a long-term contract extension with driver Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc, 26, agreed to a deal that will keep him with the legendary team for what he called “several more seasons.”

But the new deal raised several questions about teammate Carlos Sainz, who is set to enter the final season of a two-year deal signed following the 2022 season.

Sainz and Leclerc have been teammates since the beginning of the 2021 season, with the Spaniard outscoring Leclerc in his first season, but Leclerc getting the better of Sainz each of the last two seasons, including a second-place finish in the 2023 drivers championship.

Leclerc also has three wins and 14 pole positions compared to Sainz’s two and five.

But Sainz’s future is about more than just results.

Ferrari took a step back in 2023 for several reasons. One of which is presumed to be the development of the car to better suit Sainz’s preferences.

Ferrari fired team principal Mattia Binotto prior to the 2023 Formula 1 season. Frédéric Vasseur, who had previously worked with Leclerc in the same capacity at Sauber, took over the role.

Recent reports suggest Ferrari are working to build a 2024 car more suited to Leclerc’s preferred driving style.

Ferrari Contract Talks With Carlos Sainz Stall After Charles Leclerc Extension

If that’s the case, what does it mean for Sainz? He appears set to enter the 2024 season without a long-term contract. And a more oversteer-prone car may not prevent him the best opportunity to show his capabilities.

This has fans wondering what’s next for 29-year-old.

When asked about his future, Sainz expressed his interest in remaining with the team. But he’ll only do so under certain conditions.

“Obviously I want to renew and I’d like to renew for more than one year, not just two,” the 29-year-old Spaniard said of his desire to secure a long-term deal. “I feel perfectly valued by Fred and by the whole Ferrari family in general, I feel loved.
“Therefore, I will renew if I feel that way and I feel that I am valued. I am convinced that if we both want to, we will reach an agreement on a duration that I am happy with.”