There are numerous reports that Frederic Vasseur has already approved the deal for Charles Leclerc, despite the Frenchman having previously claimed that his primary attention is on upgrading the SF-23. The spotlight was now on Carlos Sainz, whose contract was set to end in 2024. Scuderia’s bias has thus far been hurting the Spanish driver. However, the native of Madrid has sworn devotion to Ferrari, despite having connections to the $76 billion F1 powerhouse.
So far this year, Carlos Sainz has performed admirably. And as a reward for his incredible driving this season, a $76 billion team de expressed their desire to get the Ferrari driver. Given his father’s connections to the Volkswagen Group, which also happens to control the giant F1 team, Audi, getting ready to enter the F1 world in 2026, the cooperation seemed to be a possibility.
For this season, Sainz has been a victim of Ferrari’s favoritism. After the contract speculation of Charles Leclerc was confirmed, the Spanish driver had all reasons to rubberstamp any deal coming to him. But rather than showing his back to the team, Sainz has shown allegiance to the Prancing Horse, and now a close source from the Madrid native has revealed the Ferrari driver’s pledge.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
🚨 | Carlos Sainz's camp *denies* having any talks with Audi:
"Plan A is Ferrari. Plan B is Ferrari, and plan C is also Ferrari."
Vasseur has already said contracts won't be discussed until the end of 2023.
[https://t.co/ES6jBuFvyI]— formularacers (@formularacers_) August 7, 2023
According to a reliable, anonymous source close to Sainz, there was no pre-contract agreement between the Spaniard and the Germans. The reports read, ” Plan A is Ferrari. Plan B is Ferrari, and plan C is also Ferrari.”
Carlos Sainz has been working tirelessly to bring the Ferrari to its pinnacle, although Charles Leclerc remains the Prancing Horse’s major focus. And now that the Scuderia has finalized the contract with the Monegasque, do you think the 25-year-old will like Carlos Sainz to partner him in the future?
Does Charles Leclerc want Carlos Sainz as his teammate?
Charles Leclerc appears to be a lucky man since he is not only able to drive for a team in which he has great enthusiasm, but he is also ready to fill his pockets to the brim with cash. The Monegasque and Ferrari have sealed a $204 million deal, which is likely to keep him with the Italian outfit until 2029.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Although Leclerc continues to be Ferrari’s only driver of interest for now, Sainz seems to be more adept at driving the SF-23 this year. Besides, the Spanish driver has time and again complained about Leclerc’s bratty attitude. And while considering all of that, does the Monegasque wish to pair up with Carlos Sainz in the future?
Leclerc, in one of his recent interviews with Marca and quoted by GPFans, seems to have given a statement that might come out as a surprise. As with all the recent tensions between the two, the Monegasque believes that both of them can work together to win for the Prancing Horse. He said, “I can work well with Carlos, even if there is a lot of competition between us.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Is Carlos Sainz Looking to Move away from Ferrari?
At the Belgian Grand Prix, Leclerc finished on the podium while Sainz was forced to retire, providing the Monegasque a driving seat in the ongoing driver’s championship. Having said that, do you believe the rivalry between the two will elevate the team or bring the Prancing Horse tumbling down?