F1 Rumour: Carlos Sainz Future With Ferrari Remains Uncertain Amid Audi Speculation
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz's contract with his team expires at the end of 2024. While the Maranello squad extended driver Charles Leclerc's contract for a longer period, there has reportedly been no push to extend Sainz's contract yet. The delay not only adds a factor of uncertainty to his future with the Red team but also adds momentum to rumors of him making a switch to Audi for 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Carlos Sainz's contract with Ferrari expires in 2024, but unlike Charles Leclerc, there hasn't been a move to extend it yet, fuelling uncertainty about his future with the team and sparking rumors of a potential switch to Audi in 2026.
- Ferrari swiftly extended Leclerc's contract for several more seasons before the start of the 2024 season, demonstrating urgency in securing his services.
- Despite a delay in contract talks due to a hectic 2023 season, Sainz prioritizes continuing his F1 journey with Ferrari. However, negotiations for an extension face hurdles, with Ferrari seeking flexibility, though the likelihood of Sainz remaining with the team is still high.
Leclerc's contract was initially set to end around the same time later this year. However, Ferrari swiftly extended his contract for 'multiple years' after negotiations, showing a sense of urgency even before the start of the 2024 season.
The contracts of both drivers were to be discussed last year but, according to team principal Fred Vasseur, a hectic 2023 season delayed the talks. However, a lack of urgency about Sainz's contract could fuel speculation, especially when you consider his association with Audi.
As per a report by the publication Formu1a.uno, “neither party making progress in negotiations” for the period beyond 2024 raises significant doubts in people's minds. Particularly noteworthy is Sainz's disclosure that his top priority is to continue his Formula 1 journey with Ferrari, emphasizing his desire for clarity regarding his future before the start of the 2024 season.
The Spaniard aims to secure a contract extension for at least two years, but it seems that the discrepancy between the two sides stems from Ferrari's wish to retain flexibility. Nonetheless, the report indicates that Ferrari is unlikely to sever ties with Sainz. It read:
“It would be a stretch to suggest that Carlos Sainz is no longer expected to continue with the Maranello-based outfit.
“His continuation at Ferrari is still the most likely scenario over the next twelve months.”
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