Carlos Sainz gives major update on contract negotiations with Ferrari following Lewis Hamilton rumors

Carlos Sainz is one of the most exciting talents on the F1 grid. The Spanish driver joined Ferrari in 2021 and has provided some decent results since. The 28-year-old was rumored to be the top pick for Audi’s F1 entry in 2026, while Ferrari was allegedly interested in signing Lewis Hamilton. Now, Sainz has revealed the timeframe to decide his future in F1.

The Spaniard did not disclose how he handles contract talks with F1 teams. Sainz prefers to have his short-term future planned out without having to stress about securing a drive for next season. The 28-year-old adopted this approach after being ousted from Renault at the end of 2018 when the French team signed Daniel Ricciardo.

As such, Carlos would prefer to have things sorted out in advance. The Spanish driver has a contract with Ferrari that runs out at the end of 2024. Sainz stated, “My target [to get a deal sorted is] not necessarily this year, but before the start of next year or during the start of next year”. Previously, the 28-year-old had declared his intentions to continue with Ferrari.

Discover: Who is the most successful F1 driver at the Monaco GP?

Carlos Sainz unbothered by Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari rumors

Despite the recent rumors about Ferrari offering a contract to Lewis Hamilton, Sainz has not felt the need to discuss his future with the Scuderia. The 28-year-old believes such speculation is a regular part of the F1 silly season. Carlos even cited rumors about his switch to Audi or teammate Charles Leclerc’s talks with Mercedes as examples of the silly season speculation.

However, the Spanish driver remains focused on the Monaco GP. The 28-year-old is eager to bounce back after a rough start to the 2023 season on a track that might work well for Ferrari. Carlos Sainz highlighted an approach that has worked for him in the past. He said, “I prefer to focus on my Monaco weekend, and just don’t care about what the others are saying and focus on myself”.

Thus, Carlos Sainz has clarified that he remains unaffected by the paddock speculation. The 28-year-old is adamant about focusing on his own season and not giving in to speculation. As such, heading into the Monaco GP, Carlos would be looking to get a decent result and perhaps achieve his first podium of the 2023 F1 season.

In case you missed it:

• “Soon it will be done,” Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on his future with Mercedes amidst Ferrari rumors
• Honda REJECTED multiple F1 teams for the Aston Martin deal

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