F1 Rumour: Carlos Sainz Could Lose Seat To Lando Norris As Contract Renewal Goes Awry

Carlos Sainz's future at Ferrari hangs in the balance as contract talks falter, with Lando Norris potentially replacing him post-2025.

Carlos Sainz's future at Ferrari is rumoured to be looking uncertain as contract renewal discussions hit a snag, with the team offering only a one-year extension despite Sainz's preference for two years. This impasse has fueled rumours that Lando Norris may replace him, as Ferrari considers options beyond 2025, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Key Takeaways:

• Contract Deadlock: Sainz seeks a two-year deal, but Ferrari offers only one year, raising questions about his future at the team.
• Performance Dynamics: Despite Sainz's victories, including a 2023 win, Leclerc often overshadows him within Ferrari.
• Norris as a Potential Replacement: With Norris's McLaren contract ending in 2025, he emerges as a possible successor to Sainz at Ferrari.

The Ferrari Formula 1 team seems to be at a crossroads with its driver lineup. Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque star who struggled with plenty of bad luck last season, is reportedly close to securing a five-year contract extension with an impressive starting salary of €50 million and an escape clause from the third year. This contrasts starkly with the situation of his teammate, Carlos Sainz.

Sainz, since joining Ferrari in 2021, has delivered commendable performances, including outperforming Leclerc in their first year together and securing the only non-Red Bull Grand Prix win in 2023. However, Leclerc's consistency and the team's preference for him are evident. Sainz's desire for a two-year contract renewal seems to be a major sticking point in negotiations, as Ferrari has only offered a one-year extension.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari's gaze may be shifting towards Lando Norris. The young McLaren driver, whose contract ends after 2025, is seen as a viable option for Ferrari in the event of Sainz's departure. 

Norris secured seven podium finishes throughout this difficult year. His best result was a second-place finish at the British Grand Prix, highlighting a standout performance in front of his home crowd.

The season had a difficult start for McLaren, with the team appearing to be one of the slowest on the grid. However, with mid-season upgrades, McLaren's performance dramatically improved. This allowed Norris to compete more effectively at the front end of the field, showing off his full potential and allowing him to contribute heavily towards the team's success later in the year.

While Lando would be a good addition to any team, this idea is further complicated by rumours of Sainz potentially moving to the newly forming Audi team in the near future.

As the 2023 season progresses, the uncertainty surrounding Sainz's future with Ferrari grows. His request for a longer contract term remains unmet, and the prospect of Lando Norris stepping into his seat post-2025 is becoming a more tangible possibility.