Carlos Sainz has extended his contract with Ferrari by two years until the end of 2024, and the Italian Formula One team announced on Thursday ahead of the fourth Grand Prix of the season in Imola.
The 27-year-old Spaniard started at Ferrari in 2021 after two seasons with McLaren.
“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,” Sainz said.
Having made his Formula One debut with Toro Rosso in 2015, Sainz has taken part in 143 Grand Prix races, bagging eight podiums.
He finished fifth in the drivers’ standings last season, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
But this season has seen Leclerc take a solid lead after three races, on 71 points, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell (37pts) and Sainz (33).
“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,” said Mattia Binotto, Ferrari team principal.
Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto said: “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’s contract, thus ensuring stability and continuity.
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.”
His new deal brings him in line with Leclerc, with both drivers now contracted to Ferrari until at least the end of 2024.
Sainz, who has 143 Grand Prix race starts, currently sits third in the drivers’ standings on 33 points, having finished second and third respectively in the opening two races before retiring early last time out in Australia.
The Spaniard had a stellar debut season with Ferrari last year, scoring points in all but two races and reaching the podium four times on his way to a career-best fifth place in the standings, two places above teammate Charles Leclerc.
