The Scuderia Ferrari team has confirmed that they have extended their contract with their current driver Carlos Sainz until the end of 2024 ahead of Ferrari’s first home race of the season in Imola.
Sainz arrived at Ferrari last year after two seasons at McLaren and delighted with a quick adjustment to the new environment and new car, finishing the season two places ahead of teammate Leclerc with four podiums.
This season Leclerc is convincingly better than Sainz after the first three races, and the Spaniard had a disastrous weekend in Australia after two podiums in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia where he gave up after a driving error.
But that did not affect Ferrari’s desire to extend his contract, which has long been talked about as a done deal, and the team from Maranello announced this the day before the start of the weekend in Imola.
“I am very happy to have renewed my contract with Scuderia Ferrari,” said Sainz.
“I have always said that there is no better Formula 1 team to race for and after over a year with them, I can confirm that putting on this race suit and representing this team is unique and incomparable.”
“My first season at Maranello was solid and constructive, with the whole group progressing together. The result of all that work has been clear to see so far season.”
“I feel strengthened by this renewed show of confidence in me and now I can’t wait to get in the car, to do my best for Ferrari and to give its fans plenty to cheer about. The F1-75 is proving to be a front-runner, which can allow me to chase my goals on track, starting with taking my first Formula 1 win.”
Ferrari F1 team boss Mattia Binotto is satisfied they will continue to have Sainz along Leclerc, which he believes is the best driver line-up in Formula 1.
“I have said several times that I believe we have the best driver pairing in Formula 1 and so, with every passing race, it seemed a completely natural step to extend Carlos’ contract, thus ensuring stability and continuity,” said Binotto.
“In his time so far with the team, he has proved to have the talent we expected from him, delivering impressive results and making the most of all opportunities.”
“Outside the car, he is a hard worker with an eye for the smallest detail, which has helped the whole group to improve and progress.”
“Together, we can aim for ambitious targets and I’m sure that, along with Charles, he can play a significant part in fuelling the Ferrari legend and will write new chapters in the history of our team.”
