Last Updated on January 29 2024, 1:54 pm

As the Formula One world gears up for the 2024 season, Ferrari, one of the most iconic names in the sport, is making headlines with a significant change in strategy.

The Maranello team has confirmed the introduction of new drivers, a move that heralds a new direction in its approach to racing. But it also throws the spotlight on the uncertain future of current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, whose contract expires at the end of the 2024 season.

 

 

The question of Carlos Sainz’s future

In the midst of these developments, the fate of Carlos Sainz within the Ferrari team remains the subject of speculation. Sainz, who has proven to be a competitive team-mate to Charles Leclerc, is approaching the end of his contract with Ferrari in 2024.

In a recent announcement that has sparked widespread speculation in the Formula One world, Ferrari have confirmed the extension of Charles Leclerc’s contract beyond the 2024 season. However, the undisclosed length of this new deal and the silence surrounding Carlos Sainz’s future with the team suggest a complex scenario is unfolding within the Scuderia Ferrari camp.

 

 

Leclerc’s new contract and the Sainz dilemma

Ferrari’s decision to tie Leclerc to the team for an unspecified period beyond this season has been seen as a strategic move, especially given the concurrent contract negotiations with Carlos Sainz.

Both drivers were due to be out of contract at the end of this year, and team boss Fred Vasseur had expressed a desire to finalise their agreements before the start of the new season. However, the announcement of only Leclerc’s extension and the lack of clarity on Sainz’s future highlights the obvious challenges Ferrari faces in reaching a new deal with the Spanish driver.

 

 

Sainz’s clear stance and Ferrari’s response

Carlos Sainz has been vocal about his discomfort at entering the final year of a contract without clarity on his future. His past experiences with Red Bull and Renault have shaped his approach, emphasising the importance of securing his future early on.

Despite his preference to remain with Ferrari, as evidenced by his only Grand Prix win with the team in 2023, Sainz has been open about exploring other options should Ferrari fail to meet his expectations.

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Vasseur’s diplomatic approach amid speculation

In the midst of these negotiations, Vasseur has sought to convey a sense of equality and long-term vision for both drivers. His comments at the Maranello festive celebration were intended to reassure both Leclerc and Sainz of their equal treatment and value within the team. However, his somewhat evasive answers have only fuelled speculation about the real intentions behind Ferrari’s negotiating tactics with Sainz.

“We showed this season we have more than equal treatment between the drivers,” said the Ferrari boss at the Maranello festive party.

Of course, Vasseur worked with Leclerc at Sauber and when he was announced as Ferrari boss 12 months ago, reports suggested he would favour his former F1 protege.

“I remember perfectly one year ago in the same room that I had tons of questions about Charles number one and Carlos number two and ‘blah blah’ and ‘blah blah’.” Vasseur reminisced.

“Singapore [where Sainz won] was the best example when Charles agreed to start with soft [tyres] to jump [George] Russell and block Russell and when we asked Charles to slow down Russell he did it. But it meant they did a very good job together.

“It’s not that we had a number one, a bigger asset, or not – but two drivers that are doing a good job,” concluded the Ferrari boss.

Yet equal opportunity on track in terms of pit stops and strategy does not translate into equal value in terms of how the drivers are remunerated along with the length of commitment Ferrari is prepared to offer.

 

 

The Lando Norris factor and Ferrari’s strategic flexibility

Ferrari’s interest in maintaining flexibility for the future is evident, particularly with the emergence of promising drivers such as Lando Norris, who will be a free agent in time for the 2026 regulations. This backdrop may influence Ferrari’s preference for a shorter commitment from Sainz, allowing them to keep their options open as the driver market evolves.

 

Audi’s emerging F1 project and Sainz’s alternative

Adding another layer to this complex situation is the involvement of Sainz’s father, a rallying legend and part of the Audi family, in discussions about Audi’s upcoming F1 project. His comments suggest a potential opportunity for Carlos Sainz with Audi, which could be a viable alternative if negotiations with Ferrari do not go well.

Speaking to motorsport.ex the rally legend explained:

“I know from my own experience how seriously Audi approaches motorsport projects. For me, it is therefore only a matter of time before Audi is successful in Formula 1. At the moment, all the pieces of the puzzle are being put in place to build a solid project.”

“I’m part of the Audi family, so it’s clear that we talk about Audi at home and what they can achieve in the future.”

Norris new deal signals seismic shift in F1 driver contracts

 

 

 

Red Bull’s admiration for Sainz and the potential for a return

Further complicating matters is Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko’s recent praise for Sainz, acknowledging his comparable performance to Max Verstappen during their time together at Toro Rosso.

“Sainz is, without a doubt, a great driver,” speaking to Spanish outlet Marca.

“He was almost on par with Max in the Toro Rosso. The bad thing for him is that he was unlucky to have Verstappen as a team-mate.”

“Carlos was almost at the same level as Verstappen… almost, but when we had to choose between Max and Carlos, it was clear what we had to do.”

This admiration could open the door to a potential return to Red Bull, especially given the current uncertainties surrounding Sergio Perez and the expected end of Daniel Ricciardo’s contract.

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Hedging bets: Trio of Ferrari reserve drivers

The development of such a recruitment drive for 2024 also casts a spotlight on the uncertain future of current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, whose contract is set to conclude at the end of the 2024 season.

It appears that Ferrari’s strategy for the 2024 season involves a trio of reserve drivers: Antonio Giovinazzi, Robert Schwarzman and newcomer Oliver Bearman. The decision is based on the drivers’ various commitments outside of F1.

Giovinazzi and Schwarzman are part of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) hypercar project, while Bearman is concentrating on his second year in Formula 2. Their involvement in different series requires a flexible approach, allowing Ferrari to adapt to the varying availability of its drivers.

No doubt that Ferrari will also be keep their options open when it comes to potentially replacing Sainz as partner to Leclerc next year.

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Experienced hands and young talent

Antonio Giovinazzi brings a wealth of Formula 1 experience, including 62 Grands Prix with the Sauber team. Schwarzman, as a Ferrari test driver and 2023 reserve, and Bearman, with his involvement in Haas’ Friday sessions, bring both depth and a fresh perspective to the team. Their participation in the Friday sessions in 2024 will provide invaluable track time and experience.

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Arthur Leclerc: A new development driver

Another new addition to the Ferrari development team is Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of star driver Charles Leclerc. His role will primarily involve simulator work and set-up duties during the racing season.

Arthur’s appointment is particularly interesting given his recent graduation from the Ferrari Youth Academy and his upcoming involvement in the Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona.

As the 2024 Formula One season approaches, Ferrari’s mix of experienced and emerging talent, coupled with the uncertain future of Carlos Sainz, makes for a compelling narrative. The team’s strategy of flexibility and depth positions it for an exciting season. However, the question of Sainz’s role beyond 2024 adds an element of intrigue to Ferrari’s future plans.

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