Carlos Sainz signs two-year Ferrari contract extension
Carlos Sainz and Ferrari have announced a multi-year contract extension which will bring the Spaniard's tenure with the team to at least four seasons.
The deal comes at a crucial time in Sainz's career as he battles to emerge from the other side of a difficult start to the season in which his teammate Charles Leclerc has taken two victories and leads the championship.
Ferrari's clear belief in Sainz is obvious with this deal, with the Italian team clearly unphased by his recent run of disappointing results in arguably the team's most competitive car in over a decade.
During his inaugural season with the team last year he scored points in every race, but two, and managed to round out the season ahead of his highly-rated teammate in the drivers' standings.
He is now tied to the team for another two years on top of 2022, which will see him remain at the Scuderia until at least the end of 2024.
"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," Sainz said on his new deal.
"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."
Team Principal Mattia Binotto heralds his driver pairing and explained the reasoning behind retaining the services of Sainz.
"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," Binotto explained in a statement.
"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."