Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
13°C
Charles Leclerc put pen to paper on a new Ferrari contract last week, but Carlos Sainz's future looks more uncertain.
By Harry Smith
Carlos Sainz is hoping to secure a new long-term deal with Ferrari (Image: Getty)
Ferrari have opted to name Oliver Bearman as an official reserve driver for the 2024 season. This could be an ominous warning to Carlos Sainz, who is still waiting on confirmation of a contract extension with his current deal set to expire at the end of next year.
Related articles
- Red Bull stars could see their ‘careers gone’ as Horner makes critical changes
- Lewis Hamilton brings back key ally that helped him to four World Championships
Team principal Fred Vasseur made it clear at the end of 2023 that Ferrari would wait until after the season finale in Abu Dhabi to attend to the pressing matter of finalising negotiations regarding contract extensions for their two drivers, both of whose deals were set to expire at the end of the 2024 campaign.
Since then, Ferrari have confirmed that Charles Leclerc has put pen to paper on a multi-year contract extension. For Sainz, however, there has been no such confirmation despite the confirmation that negotiations are underway. The longer these drag on, the more uncomfortable the Spaniard’s camp will begin to feel.
While it is expected that Sainz will receive a renewal of some sort, the two parties are clearly apart in their demands. The 29-year-old is hoping for equal treatment to team-mate Leclerc, and likely a similarly fruitful length of contract and salary contribution to match.
Don't miss... Russell sent clear message by Hamilton's relationship with Mercedes engineer
Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 news
Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Oliver Bearman is seen as Carlos Sainz's long-term replacement at Ferrari (Image: Getty)
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Start 30-day FREE trial
Ferrari, however, are keen to keep their options open, preferring a shorter deal for Sainz. One of the major motivating factors for their reluctance to tie the Spaniard down long-term is the impressive development of Bearman - the jewel in the crown of the driver academy.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a confidence-inspiring rookie Formula Two campaign in 2023, and his stellar performances on the feeder ladder were accompanied by impressive FP1 appearances for Ferrari customer team Haas in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.
Bearman is expected to challenge for the F2 title in 2024 and if he makes a compelling bid, is well-placed to replace one of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen on the grid for the 2025 campaign. An impressive rookie season would leave him primed to replace Sainz at Ferrari as early as 2026.
More F1...
Hamilton's 11 years at Mercedes: Rosberg rage, Verstappen scandal and 82 wins [RECAP]
Button had mind blown when he found F1 rival in his home after boozy night out [STORY]
Five circuits left at serious risk after F1 make bold Spanish GP announcement [OPINION]
While there are a lot of hypotheticals involved in this path to the top, Ferrari are no stranger to taking risks with their drivers. Indeed, Leclerc made the step up from Sauber off the back of his rookie season having followed a similarly impressive junior career trajectory to Bearman.
Ferrari clearly trust Bearman as an option for the future, and he will now be a reserve option for the team alongside Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman. This will only serve to put more pressure on Sainz, who may be forced to accept his role as a second driver within the legendary Italian constructor.
Related articles
- Max Verstappen almost failed driving test despite already winning a Grand Prix
- Ex-F1 star nearly bankrupted his own team after winning £17m in bonuses
Red Bull Aston Martin
IPSO Regulated Copyright ©2024 Express Newspapers. "Daily Express" is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
