Sainz still discussing F1 contract renewal with Ferrari

Sainz signed a two-year deal to join Ferrari last season as a replacement for four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and enjoyed an impressive first campaign at the team. 

The Spaniard racked up four podiums on his way to sealing fifth in the drivers’ championship ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, while the pair helped Ferrari beat McLaren to third in the constructors’ standings. 

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto revealed at the end of last year that he was set to open talks with Sainz regarding a post-2022 contract extension, but there has been no news as yet. 

When asked for an update about his contract situation, Sainz replied: “I have to announce that there’s nothing to announce! At the moment we are in the middle of discussions. 

“It has been pretty clear both Ferrari and myself, we are happy with the situation and want to keep working together in the future. 

“We have put ourselves certain targets to have it as soon as possible but at the moment nothing is done yet.” 

Speaking at the launch of Ferrari’s F1-75 challenger on Thursday, Sainz said he is eager to build on the success of his first season and take the team to a “different level” in 2022. 

“I am more than ready for this season,” he added. “Last year was a great year for me because I managed to learn how the team works on the inside to adapt to a new environment.

“But also mainly to learn about the Ferrari brand and how everything here works and it was a great experience for me.

“Now it’s time to take the team to a different level, take it to another step. And as drivers and the team together, we want more things and more success in 2022. So let’s go and get it.”