Carlos Sainz has signed a contract extension with Ferrari that will see him remain at the Italian team until at least 2024.
Sainz joined Ferrari last year after switching from rivals McLaren, replacing four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at the Scuderia.
An impressive first season saw Sainz finish a career-best fifth in the drivers’ standings, claiming four podium finishes and outscoring highly-rated team-mate Charles Leclerc.
The Spaniard’s contract was set to expire at the end of the year, but talks over a renewal began as early as last winter, with Ferrari keen to retain his services.
Sainz said recently that he was “extremely close” to re-signing with a deal only a matter of putting pen to paper, and on Thursday Ferrari confirmed Sainz would stay with the team for another two years.
“I am very happy to have renewed my contract with Scuderia Ferrari,” Sainz said. “I have always said that there is no better Formula 1 team to race for and after over a year with them, I can confirm that putting on this race suit and representing this team is unique and incomparable.
“My first season at Maranello was solid and constructive, with the whole group progressing together. The result of all that work has been clear to see so far season.
“I feel strengthened by this renewed show of confidence in me and now I can’t wait to get in the car, to do my best for Ferrari and to give its fans plenty to cheer about. The F1-75 is proving to be a front-runner, which can allow me to chase my goals on track, starting with taking my first Formula 1 win.”
Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto believes retaining Sainz was a “natural step” after proving himself alongside Leclerc in 2021.
“I have said several times that I believe we have the best driver pairing in Formula 1 and so, with every passing race, it seemed a completely natural step to extend Carlos’ contract, thus ensuring stability and continuity,” Binotto said.
“In his time so far with the team, he has proved to have the talent we expected from him, delivering impressive results and making the most of all opportunities.
“Outside the car, he is a hard worker with an eye for the smallest detail, which has helped the whole group to improve and progress. Together, we can aim for ambitious targets and I’m sure that, along with Charles, he can play a significant part in fuelling the Ferrari legend and will write new chapters in the history of our team.”
Sainz’s two-year extension means both Ferrari drivers are now contracted until the end of 2024, with Leclerc signing a long-term deal in late 2019.
Sainz sits third in the drivers’ championship with two podiums in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia after the opening three races this season, lying 38 points behind Leclerc who is the current championship leader.
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