The 2023 Formula 1 season is proving to be one of the most active campaigns, not only on the track but also off the track. For the first time in quite a while, numerous drivers are staring into an uncertain future in the sport. And surprisingly, the list features prominent names like seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s Grand Prix winners, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, and more.
Of course, Toto Wolff did recently acknowledge that Hamilton is a mere meeting away from extending his Mercedes F1 contract. Meanwhile, Ferrari prodigy Leclerc has seemingly signed a five-year deal worth $185 million until the end of 2029. Hence, the focus now shifts to the Monegasque’s teammate, Sainz.
The Spaniard has been awfully quiet about his F1 future amidst not-so-promising talks with Ferrari. Several rumors even suggested that has already signed a ‘pre-contract’ with the upcoming Formula 1 team, Audi, which is set to make its debut in 2026. Amidst such bizarre rumors revving up the silly season, let’s take a look at Sainz’s current contract with Ferrari.
🚨 | Carlos Sainz’s camp *denies* having any talks with Audi:
“Plan A is Ferrari. Plan B is Ferrari, and plan C is also Ferrari.”
Vasseur has already said contracts won’t be discussed until the end of 2023.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) August 7, 2023
The 28-year-old made his way into Ferrari, replacing four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. Hence, the pressure was unsurprisingly tremendous, but, having showcased his stupendous racing talent over his previous tenures at McLaren, Renault, and Toro Rosso, Sainz gained the trust of Ferrari. The Reds went on to offer what was indeed the best deal Sainz had ever received in his career.
Does Carlos Sainz earn the same as Charles Leclerc at Ferrari?
The answer is no! Leclerc is miles ahead in terms of the salary at Ferrari. The Monegasque signed a five-year contract worth $66.5 million until the end of 2024. Meanwhile, the Spaniard signed a much inferior two-year deal in 2020 before extending his contract by another couple of years in 2022. The entire deal is worth approximately $25 million.
Although it isn’t much compared to Leclerc, the pay was undeniably a step forward for Sainz after earning $7 million at McLaren. The 2020 contract had Sainz gaining $2 million every year. As of 2023, Sainz is earning $12 million a year, which is likely to take a stride forward next season before potentially being left out of the team.
By the looks of it, Ferrari is quite busy assessing a contract extension for Leclerc. However, there is still enough time in hand, as the Reds will eventually shift their focus to the other driver, especially considering Leclerc’s recent request and of course, Fred Vassuer’s comments. Hence, will the pleasant Leclerc-Sainz combo continue to work magic for Ferrari beyond the 2024 season?