Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has disclosed the timing for determining his Formula 1 long-term plans that extend beyond the conclusion of his current deal with the Maranello team, set to end following the Formula 1 2024 championship.
The Spaniard is presently experiencing the most remarkable season in his F1 career, achieving the distinction of being the sole non-Red Bull driver to secure a victory in the 2023 season, which occurred a few weeks ago at the Marina Bay street circuit in Singapore, following an impressive display of defensive skills in the final stages of the race. Additionally, the Ferrari currently holds a 15-point advantage over his Maranello teammate, Charles Leclerc, in the drivers’ championship ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, which takes place next weekend.
Carlos Sainz has assured that he will reach a decision regarding his future during the winter break before the 2024 Formula 1 campaign begins. This timeframe positions him in a strong negotiating position following his solid performance in 2023.
“My future will be decided in the winter, but everyone knows my priority. We haven’t sat down because there is no time during the season, not that we don’t want to sit down. We are on the road all day long, from race to race. Right now our priority is to finish as well as possible and always put Ferrari first.” – he pointed out.
Carlos Sainz has a good opportunity to outperform Charles Leclerc once again in their third year as teammates in Maranello, and this time he’s doing it more convincingly than two seasons ago when he secured a narrow 5.5-point victory in the team battle. Throughout the current championship, Carlos Sainz has only failed to finish in the top six on four occasions. While he may have fewer podium finishes compared to his Ferrari teammate, his victory at the Marina Bay street circuit will undoubtedly define the Italian side’s campaign.
“Why sit down now to evaluate a contract if in winter we have four months to evaluate it?. If you are in a good moment of your career it is easier to negotiate, but I don’t see that the prospects have changed between us because of the last races, we know our mutual potential.” – the Spanish driver continued.
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Carlos Sainz’s response strongly suggests that he envisions his future at Scuderia Ferrari, given that his current deal is set to conclude after four seasons with the Italian side, despite speculation in the media regarding of discussions between his staff and Audi, who will soon join Formula 1. His journey to the Scuderia followed a career revival at McLaren, where he outperformed the then-rookie Lando Norris in consecutive seasons.
The Spaniard arrived at McLaren after being let go by Toro Rosso and Renault, but his impressive performance in the papaya-colored car eventually led to the Maranello team choosing him in 2020 when Ferrari decided not to extend the contract of Sebastian Vettel.
While there was a prevailing notion in 2023 that Charles Leclerc had overshadowed their intra-team rivalry more than the results indicated, the Spaniard reaffirmed that he doesn’t feel undervalued within Ferrari: “I feel valued, honestly. I don’t know why you say that in the press. I’m at Ferrari, so if I’m at the best team in history, it will be because someone has valued me. The people I care about, the people who are in F1, the other drivers, I think they value me the way they have to value me.” – Carlos Sainz concluded, ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend
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