Recent rumors suggest that Ferrari has prioritized the renewal of Charles Leclerc before focusing on Carlos Sainz’s contract, with Alexander Albon still in the running for 2025.
Each day could be crucial for the official confirmation of both Ferrari drivers’ renewals, but the announcement is still pending. As confirmed by Frederic Vasseur a few weeks ago, Ferrari intends to continue with the pair established in 2021 for at least the next two seasons (excluding 2024). However, according to recent rumors, the prancing horse has given priority to extending the contract with the Monegasque driver, while Alex Albon remains a contender to challenge the seat of the Madrid-born driver.
Ferrari, Updates on Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Renewals
“Sources say that contract talks with Leclerc take precedence, with the Scuderia wanting to ensure that the driver who was signed to a massive deal for the last cycle continues to stay with the Prancing Horse in the near future,” states Lawrence Barretto in a recent article published on the Formula 1 website.
“Once this is done, Ferrari is likely to move quickly to secure Sainz. The Spaniard is interested in a two-year deal that provides stability and takes him into the first season of the new regulatory cycle in 2026, where Ferrari has the opportunity to make a significant leap forward.”
What if Carlos Sainz’s entourage fails to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties? “If an agreement cannot be reached, Ferrari would not lack options, with Alex Albon being one of the top contenders. But currently, the priority is to retain Leclerc and Sainz.”
Speaking of Albon, Williams reportedly intends to continue with the Thai driver beyond 2024, but much will depend on how the market unfolds, with 14 drivers out of contract at the end of the season.
“Sources say Williams is very interested in keeping him beyond 2024 because they want to make him a focal point of the rebuilding, and Albon is willing to move if he takes another significant step this year.”
“Alex also knows he has several admirers in other parts of the paddock, and it would make sense for him to at least listen to them and assess the offers. He has more than proven that he can deliver consistently high-level performances, and a move to a more prestigious team would be a logical step while his stocks are high.”
As of now, Ferrari is expected to announce the renewal of both drivers in the coming days, or at least before the Bahrain tests. For Albon, on the other hand, they will likely wait until the early races of 2024 to evaluate his and the FW45’s performance and potentially make a decision.
Source: f1ingenerale
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