Carlos Sainz said that he is set on winning the F1 driver’s championship as he announced a two-year extension to his Ferrari contract this morning.
Both Ferrari drivers are now committed to the team until 2024, forming what team principal Mattia Binotto describes as “the best driver pairing in Formula 1”.
Sainz outscored Charles Leclerc last season but has been struggling to match his team-mate this year in a front-running car and crashed out of the last grand prix in Australia.
He said that he felt “strengthened by this renewed show of confidence in me”. In a social media post, the 27-year-old added that he was determined to get the best out of this year’s F1-75 car and win both titles.
“Ferrari is fighting again at the front of the field and I’ll give it all to try and win both championships,” the Spaniard wrote.
Max Verstappen and Sainz both entered F1 in 2015 with Toro Rosso, but while Verstappen went on to win races and the championship with Red Bull, Sainz is still waiting for his first victory.
𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗢𝗦 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗦 ✍️
Committing his future with us until 2024, @CarlosSainz55 is staying for another two years 🌶 https://t.co/kxu4MmSlWT#essereFerrari 🔴 #Sainz2024 pic.twitter.com/0ONJCJYm6Y
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 21, 2022
“I can’t wait to get in the car, to do my best for Ferrari and to give its fans plenty to cheer about,” said Sainz. “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.
“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 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.”
Saturday in Melbourne was a disastrous day for Carlos Sainz. A day that may have sentenced him to the supporting role at Ferrari if the inherent speed of Charles Leclerc…
Sainz has endured somewhat of a difficult start to a promising year for the team. He trails his team-mate by 38 points after three rounds and could well be at risk of being relegated to a supporting role for Leclerc’s title bid.
A second and third place at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix was a positive albeit unspectacular start as Leclerc took full advantage of the F1-75’s competitiveness to lead the drivers’ championship.
Binotto said that the so-far harmonious relationship between the two drivers was a key reason in keeping Sainz.
“With every passing race, it seemed a completely natural step to extend Carlos’ contract, thus ensuring stability and continuity,” Binotto said. “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.”
