Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has been the hot topic of the paddock since the rumors of him signing a tentative deal with Audi for their debut season in Formula 1. His top priority is the extension of his current Ferrari contract, which is due to terminate at the completion of the 2024 season. If the deal was actually finalized, Sainz would be the first driver to be a part of the new German automaker. But the Ferrari driver has given a confirmation regarding the matter.
While Audi has contacted the driver from Madrid in an attempt to bag him for the team, Carlos has not signed any pre-contracts with them which was confirmed when he playfully made a comment, “Plan A is Ferrari. Plan B is Ferrari and Plan C also remains Ferrari.” It is unclear which driver Audi is going to target. But, regardless of this, his objective seems to keep working with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz has NOT signed any pre contract with Audi
Sainz has been contacted by Audi but his priority is to renew with Ferrari
A member of Sainz’s camp said “Plan A is Ferrari. Plan B is Ferrari, and Plan C is also Ferrari” pic.twitter.com/KejmQu34tP
— Formula_Universe (@FormulaUnivers3) August 7, 2023
If Ferrari offers both drivers a contract extension that pushes beyond the 2024 deadline, it is highly likely that they will continue as a pair under the new regulations. Contract talks cannot begin until the end of the season, according to team president Fred Vasseur as prior to the American Grand Prix, he wishes to optimize the SF-23, which will be further extended later in the season.
Has Carlos Sainz signed a contract extension with Ferrari?
Since Ferrari has not yet made any announcements regarding Carlos Sainz’s contract, it will officially expire at the end of 2024. Despite his excellent performance in 2021, which earned him a two-year contract with Scuderia, Sainz is adamant that he would rather not go into the 2024 season without knowing what his future in Formula 1 looks like. He expressed his dissatisfaction at the prospect of racing the last few months of the agreement without knowing whatever awaited next.
Fred Vasseur has put Charles Leclerc’s contract renewal at Ferrari at the top of his agenda for a few weeks.
Leaving that of Carlos Sainz on stand-by for the moment, who at least unofficially does not seem to have taken it very well. pic.twitter.com/aPOQvBkvO9
— Q. (@leclercstyre) July 12, 2023
Having experienced similar uncertainties in the past with Red Bull and Renault, he understands the challenges such situations pose to drivers. As there are not many open seats in Formula 1, there had been rumors going around that Carlos Sainz may be considered by Audi which he has shunned. He dismissed them as potential clickbait or attempts by smaller journalists to get the attention they want.
The Spanish driver clarified that his discussions were exclusively with Ferrari and that he was not contemplating any other options. Given this substantial long-term commitment, Carlos Sainz’s fate at Ferrari is an ongoing topic of curiosity among the media and fans.