Carlos Sainz and Ferrari are still in contract negotiations, with talks taking slightly longer than first anticipated. As it stands, there are still questions to be answered before 2024 begins. Both parties have set the season opener in Bahrain as a preferred date to finalise an agreement.
Although the F1 driver market is notoriously unpredictable, there are inevitable assumptions about drivers who are likely to extend their existing deals. Broadly speaking, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were in this category heading into the winter.
However, it is understood that complications have emerged for the Spaniard.
There is no secret that Leclerc will extend with Ferrari on a multi-year deal. The 26-year-old is seen as the team’s present and future, with Fred Vasseur eager to secure his services for the long-term.
Leclerc’s history with the Maranello-based outfit is well-established. Both parties remain deeply committed to each other despite the difficulties faced over the last eighteen months.
Whilst the Ferrari team principal has refused to single out a “number 1” driver explicitly, the Monegasque driver’s importance is undeniable.
Delays in Sainz negotiations
Moving to the issue of Carlos Sainz, the situation is more tricky. The Spaniard made clear on numerous occasions last year that agreeing to a new deal before the 2024 season opener was the priority.
However, with pre-season testing just over a month away, nothing has been agreed. As it stands, there are still areas for the two parties to address before putting pen to paper.
Since contract talks began at the beginning of winter, contract length has been identified as the main point of contention. Although it is unclear precisely what the terms being negotiated are, Sainz almost certainly wants a multi-year deal.
The two-time race winner has mentioned that the uncertainty of receiving one-year deals (common early in his career) is not something he wants a return to.
Therefore, it seems plausible that the Italian outfit is reluctant to offer the long-term deal Sainz is after.
Again, this is not necessarily something to be concerned about. Still, at this stage of the winter break, the lack of an official announcement is worth nothing.
The next few months will be telling
McLaren showed last season how quickly a driver and team can reach terms if both parties are satisfied. As it stands, there is clearly a gap between Sainz and Ferrari in their preferences.
There is still ample time for an agreement, though, and the situation will continue to evolve. Ferrari has alternatives in the market if necessary, which could help them pursue more preferable terms in negotiations.
Sainz is not without suitors elsewhere on the grid, so he won’t be without leverage. However, at least until the regulations change in 2026, the 29-year-old is unlikely to find another team capable of the same results as Ferrari.
For all the Maranello outfit’s troubles, they are still contenders for podiums and (to a lesser degree) race wins.
In any case, the next few months should provide more clarity on the status of Ferrari’s driver line-up.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
