Carlos Sainz is staying with Ferrari until the end of the 2024 F1 season; He is currently third in the driver standings after a disappointing Australian GP; His team-mate, Charles Leclerc is currently leading the championship by 34 points
Thursday 21 April 2022 13:40, UK
Carlos Sainz has signed a new contract with Ferrari, keeping him with the Italian team until the end of the 2024 F1 season.
The Spanish driver, who joined as Sebastian Vettel's replacement in 2021, has formed a highly-rated partnership with Charles Leclerc since his arrival and his previous deal was set to expire this year.
His renewal was confirmed ahead of Ferrari's home Emilia Romagna GP, with Sainz tied down for another two years.
"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," said team boss Mattia Binotto.
"I have always said that there is no better Formula 1 team to race for," added Sainz, 27. "And after over a year with them, I can confirm that putting on this race suit and representing this team is unique and incomparable.
"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."
Sainz is currently third in the championship after Ferrari's stunning start to the season, 38 points behind leader Leclerc.
Sainz impressively beat his Monegasque team-mate in his rookie year in red but has had a difficult start to the year in comparison despite Ferrari's newly-competitive car, and spun out of the Australian GP.
But his contract extension was always going to be a formality given his form on the track and his partnership with Leclerc and the team off it.
"Together, we can aim for ambitious targets," stated Binotto. "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."
Sainz, whose father is a rallying legend with the same name, has always looked the part in F1 since breaking onto the scene alongside Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso way back in 2015.
Sainz matched up with the Dutchman well, but it was Verstappen who got the move to Red Bull the following year. Left frustrated in Red Bull's junior team, Sainz moved to Renault and struggled somewhat but then found a home at McLaren, where his potential was finally realised as he marched the Woking team back to the front of the midfield.
When Ferrari came calling in 2020, Sainz could not say no.
The Spaniard has only furthered his reputation in red. While still waiting to get on F1's top step, the Madrid-born racer and big Real fan now has eight podiums to his name and has been remarkably consistent.
He will be eager to get his 2022 season back on track and match Leclerc, as he is currently in danger of a supporting role for the championship given their contrasting starts.
Sainz's new deal is also a further sign of a relatively settled driver market for 2023.
Both Ferrari drivers now have multi-year contracts - Leclerc is signed up until 2026 - while other stars Verstappen and Lando Norris have even longer deals at Red Bull and McLaren respectively.
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are also signed up for '23, with Sergio Perez the odd one out at the front at Red Bull with a one-year deal.
Watch the Emilia Romagna GP all live on Sky Sports F1 as the Sprint returns at Imola. The Sprint is at 3.30pm on Saturday, the Grand Prix starts at 2pm on Sunday.
