Carlos Sainz’s future within the Ferrari racing team has taken an unexpected turn, with reports indicating that the Spanish driver has entered into a preliminary agreement with Sauber, a move that could see him transitioning to Audi Sauber by 2026, once his ongoing contract with Ferrari concludes.
Sainz’s ties to the potential Audi endeavor have been an ongoing topic of speculation. The CEO of Sauber Motorsport, Andreas Seidl, holds a deep appreciation for Sainz stemming from their shared tenure at McLaren. Seidl’s apparent intention is to construct the Audi venture around Sainz, leveraging their existing rapport. Get attractive F1 betting odds only on Nextbet.
This storyline aligns harmoniously with Sainz’s purported stipulations. Although Charles Leclerc often occupies the spotlight as Ferrari’s prominent figure, the 28-year-old Sainz firmly contends that his performances this season warrant him a pivotal role within the Scuderia’s endeavors for 2024 and beyond.
Regrettably, Sainz’s aspirations don’t correspond with Ferrari’s intentions. As indications point to Leclerc’s impending lengthy contract extension until 2029, it’s evident that team principal Fred Vasseur envisions Sainz in a supplementary role for the foreseeable future.
Given this contrasting outlook, a parting of ways between Sainz and Ferrari appears to be looming. Reports from Auto Action suggest that the Madrid-native driver has inked a preliminary pact with Sauber, outlining his move to the team once his existing tenure concludes.
Although such pre-contract agreements are conventionally a feature of Formula 1’s landscape and are not legally binding, Sainz’s commitment to Sauber offers a pronounced glimpse into his resolve. As he approaches the latter phase of his career, Sainz seems disinclined to play second fiddle to Leclerc.
One certainty is that Sainz will make his verdict prior to the commencement of the 2024 “silly season” next summer. As he articulated to Auto Action, “I do prefer starting a season already knowing where I’m going to be the following year.” Such a choice would alleviate the distractions of contract negotiations, thereby enabling him to maintain an unwavering focus on his on-track performance and collaboration with his current team.
Sainz articulated his ambition to finalize his plans for the 2025 season as early as possible, aiming to enter the 2024 championship unburdened by contract uncertainties.
In the existing Sauber framework, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, the current duo, have exhibited commendable albeit somewhat uninspiring performances. Should Sainz endorse the dotted line for 2025, he would likely assume a leadership role within the team, marking a new chapter in his racing journey. Get the latest updates from the world of F1 only on Nextbet Sports.
