Carlos Sainz renews Ferrari contract

Ferrari’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has extended his contract with the Italian Formula One team for a further two years, confirming his stay with the team until the end of the 2024 season. The renewal of his contract means Sainz and his Monégasque partner at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, will both stay with the team until 2024. Sainz had mentioned last month that he was extremely close to signing an extension with the Italian team.

Sainz, who is the son of double World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz Cenamor, was a member of the Red Bull academy before making his Formula One debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso. Sainz’s partner at Toro Rosso was another debutant and the reigning World Champion Max Verstappen. Sainz spent two and a half seasons with Toro Rosso before being signed by Renault in the middle of the 2017 season. 

Sainz impressed at Renault, especially during his first full season with the team in 2018, and was signed up by McLaren at the start of the 2019 season, replacing his idol and double World Champion Fernando Alonso. Sainz showed the entire grid why he was considered one of the most talented drivers during his two seasons at McLaren, where he was consistently scoring big points for the British team. 

Sainz’s stellar performances at McLaren caught the eyes of the higher-ups in Maranello, and in 2020, when Ferrari decided they wouldn’t retain Sebastian Vettel, Sainz was announced as the four-time World Champion’s replacement on a two-year deal. Sainz shone in his debut season for the Maranello-based team and finished fifth in the Drivers’ Championship ahead of Leclerc. He scored four podiums as well.

Speaking about his contract extension, Sainz commented:

“I am very happy to have renewed my contract with Scuderia Ferrari. 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 this 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 Team Principal and Managing Director, Mattia Binotto, stated:

“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. 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.”

With 143 Grand Prix starts under his belt, Sainz will hope to score his first win with the Scuderia during the current season, which sees the Italian team as a strong contender for both the Championships. Sainz currently is third in the Drivers’ standings with 33 points, having scored two podiums in the opening three races.