Carlos Sainz: Ferrari future, triumphs, and the road ahead

His contract with the Scuderia draws to a close in 2024, and the Spanish driver has been at the centre of rumours linking him to other racing projects, most notably Audi. However, in a recent statement, Sainz provided some insight into his relationship with the iconic Italian team and the prospect of an extended partnership.

Sainz, who joined Ferrari in 2021, has secured two Grand Prix victories during his tenure, with his most recent triumph coming at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this season. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that Ferrari have been unable to mount a serious World Championship challenge since his arrival.

Speaking to the media, Sainz voiced his contentment with his current situation: "Where I'm at is that I'm comfortable. I'm happy in Ferrari. I trust the team. I see positive steps being taken in the right direction. I see a committed team working in the right direction." 

He continued, "I've always said, I'm happy here and that the winter was going to be a good time to sit down and see if we can come to an agreement for the future. Which, if they're happy with me, and I'm happy with them, shouldn't be too much of a problem. It's hopefully going to happen this winter. And if not, it will drag for longer. But let's see."

Ferrari had entered the current campaign with the hope of challenging for the World Championship, having secured four race wins the previous year. However, the Red Bull juggernaut dominated the competition by clinching victory in the first 14 races of the season.

Sainz acknowledged Ferrari's efforts to rebound during the year and highlighted their reward when they clinched a victory in Singapore on a weekend where Red Bull faced unusual difficulties. He said, "It's been a decent season overall. I was feeling good with the car straight away from the beginning of the season." He further explained, "Then, going through this first phase of the year, where we were trying to understand where we were, why we were suddenly half a second off Red Bull, why at other circuits we were nearly on pole. [We were] understanding what was going on and what had Red Bull done to all of us, which was to, all of a sudden, dominate the way they were doing. 

"The first part was obviously a bit under expectations, but then we put our heads down and we started working well, and we nailed the opportunity when it came in Singapore. I think that means a lot for us this year."

The next Formula 1 race on the calendar is this weekends Mexican Grand Prix, set to take place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. The circuit's smooth tarmac traditionally results in low levels of tire degradation, making factors like track position and tire selection pivotal for success, given the limited overtaking opportunities on the 4.304km track.

As the 2023 season draws to a close, the motorsport world will await developments in Carlos Sainz's future with Ferrari, while Formula 1 enthusiasts prepare for the excitement of the Mexican Grand Prix.

 

Read More: Sergio Perez's redemption road to Mexican Grand Prix victory (planetsport.com)