Ferrari set to hand Sainz extended new deal

Ian Parkes
Wednesday 22 December 2021 12:54

Carlos Sainz is set to sign a contract extension with Ferrari during F1's winter break.

In replacing Sebastian Vettel, Sainz initially agreed a two-year deal with the Scuderia through to the end of 2022 following a move from McLaren.

The Spanish driver delivered a brilliantly consistent season, finishing all 22 races, in the top 10 at 20 grands prix, and scoring podiums in Monaco, Hungary, Russia and the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The third place at the Yas Marina Circuit helped Sainz to finish fifth in the drivers' standings ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Team principal Mattia Binotto has now confirmed he is to discuss a new deal with Sainz, which could draw him in line with Leclerc who is contracted through to the end of 2024.

"With Carlos, we will discuss through the wintertime the extension of his contract," said Binotto. "We will sit down with him and try to understand.

"Certainly, he did very well during the season. I'm very happy with the way he has integrated, the way he has been performing on track and over the race weekends.

"So no doubt we will sit down and try to find an agreement. That will be part of the winter period.

"I don't know what he has in mind. To date, there is no answer. We are fully open to understand, a review of the season, and looking with him towards the future.

"It will be an easy discussion, no doubt but we've not started."

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