As Ferrari monitors Lando Norris’ contract developments, Carlos Sainz faces uncertainty with his own renewal with the team.
Carlos Sainz, whose current contract with Ferrari is set to conclude by the end of 2024, has been vocal in dismissing speculations about a potential move to Audi, showing a keen interest in renewing his contract with the Italian team.
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Despite his intentions, early negotiations between Sainz and Ferrari reveal a significant gap in their expectations, as reported by Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport. Sainz is seeking a minimum two-year extension, aiming to secure his position at Ferrari until at least the end of the 2026 season. At 29 years old, this deal is crucial for the Spanish racer’s career trajectory.
However, Ferrari’s stance presents a challenge. The team appears more inclined towards offering Sainz a one-year extension instead. This strategy would allow Ferrari greater flexibility in shaping their driver lineup for 2026 and beyond, keeping their options open.
This period of potential transition coincides with the availability of Lando Norris as a free agent in 2026. Reports from Gazzetta indicate that Ferrari is attentively observing the McLaren driver, considering the possibility of bringing him onboard at Maranello.
In contrast, Ferrari President John Elkann has publicly expressed intentions to maintain the current driver lineup past the 2024 season, though he refrained from providing specific timelines.
On another front, Charles Leclerc is reportedly on the verge of signing a five-year contract extension with Ferrari, a deal that would significantly increase his earnings, solidifying his long-term commitment to the team.
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