F1 Rumour: Carlos Sainz Is Fighting For Two-Year Ferrari Contract Extension

Carlos Sainz is reportedly fighting for a two-year contract extension with Ferrari, whereas, the Maranello-based squad are aiming for a one-year extension.

Carlos Sainz is reportedly in negotiations with Ferrari for a two-year contract extension. The Spanish driver's current contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024 season along with his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2026 F1 season will bring significant car and engine regulation changes, influencing driver market movements. Fourteen drivers, including Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, are on expiring contracts, making the next few years pivotal for teams and drivers.
• While Charles Leclerc is reportedly close to securing a multi-year deal with Ferrari, Carlos Sainz's contract extension is less straightforward. Sainz seeks a two-year extension, but Ferrari appears to prefer a one-year deal to maintain flexibility for the 2026 season.

The upcoming 2026 season of Formula 1 is set to bring groundbreaking changes, not only in terms of car and engine regulations but also in the driver market dynamics. As teams prepare for this new era, contract negotiations are becoming increasingly complex, with drivers seeking stability and teams aiming for flexibility.

Sainz, who has shown his intent to remain with Ferrari, faces a critical decision. He is pushing for a two-year extension, aligning with common practice among drivers who prefer the security of a longer contract. However, Ferrari's strategy appears to diverge, with a preference for a one-year deal to keep their options open post-2025. 

The outcome of these negotiations is crucial for both Sainz and Ferrari. With the pecking order expected to shift dramatically in 2026, Sainz's role could be pivotal in the driver market. A one-year deal would force him to consider a team switch in 2025, a significant gamble given the unpredictability of the sport's future landscape.