As his contract comes to an end by the conclusion of 2024, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has worked out a new plan to secure his future in Formula 1.
With intentions to become a full-fledged works team debuting in 2026, the German manufacturer, Audi, is growing closer with the Sauber team as shown in the pre-contract he has signed with them. Team Principal Fred Vasseur has downplayed the necessity of immediately resolving the terms of the deals with both Ferrari drivers.
In an exclusive conversation with AUTO ACTION at Spa-Francorchamps, Sainz explicitly stated his preference for entering a season knowing where he would be heading. The Spaniard is planning on avoiding the distraction of contract negotiations and vowed to keep all of his focus on his current team and on-track performance.
🚨 | Auto Action reports that Carlos Sainz has already signed a pre-contract with Audi to join the Sauber team in 2025.
Even though that’s not a binding commitment, it shows the Spaniard is considering his alternatives.
“I do prefer starting a season already knowing where I’m… pic.twitter.com/V8lE91Cn6j
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) August 6, 2023
Although they are not legally binding, pre-contracts such as this are common in Formula 1, and Ferrari typically maintains a list of pre-contracted drivers as security in case a difficult situation arises. Sainz has already signed a pre-contract with Audi, as reported by insider sources at the 2022 British Grand Prix. As Carlos’ father, Sainz Senior has been a driver on the grid as well, he has access to big names in the manufacturing industry.
Will Carlos Sainz terminate his contract with Ferrari?
While Sainz’s contract with Ferrari is at stake, there have been rumors regarding teammate Charles Leclerc’s expensive contract extension of a staggering $198,500,000. Following a conflict over track position at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, the tension between Sainz and Leclerc created fueling suspicions about the former’s frustration at Ferrari.
Heartbreaking #CarlosSainz #Ferrari #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/aYKEstQZVX
— peut-êtremoi (@Heavenmoi) July 28, 2023
Ferrari’s focus currently lies on developing upgrade packages and next year’s car, delaying contract talks with Leclerc and Sainz, who are both bound to the team until 2024. Nothing has been formally stated, so there is still a chance for a future contract extension. The Spanish driver may want to leave Ferrari as a result of the team’s alleged favoritism of Leclerc and strategic errors, but that hasn’t been publicly acknowledged.
Ferrari is far from the level set by Red Bull this season, dealing with issues like severe tire wear and strategic flaws that hindered them from winning the title the year before. In the Constructors’ Championship, the team at present holds the fourth position but is at risk of dropping to fifth due to McLaren’s extraordinary comeback. The British team now has consecutive podium finishes with the help of Lando Norris pushing them to a higher rank.