Ferrari is retaining Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to strengthen its lineup in future competitions
Ferrari president John Elkann has confirmed that the team intends to retain Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz beyond their current contracts. This news is a significant boost for the team and consolidates its driver line-up with an eye on a promising future in Formula 1. Leclerc and Sainz, who have formed a solid pair since Sainz joined the team from McLaren in 2021, Prepare to lead the Ferrari attack for the fourth consecutive time in 2024.
Although their current contracts expire at the end of next year and both have been linked with possible moves to other teams this season, Elkann appears to confirm that both drivers are up for contract extensions. “Sainz and Leclerc? Of course they will stay,” said Elkann.
Ferrari faces challenges and aims for triumphs in 2023
Ferrari’s 2023 season was hampered by difficulties controlling its wayward SF-23 car, which was unable to keep up with Red Bull’s speed. However, the Maranello team recovered from a rocky start to secure Red Bull’s only non-win of the year, with Mercedes almost finishing second.
With a total of seven pole positions during the season, Elkann has underlined the need for the team to convert its qualifying successes into race wins in 2024.”Ferrari’s season was disappointing“But the way it ended, we could have almost finished second and at the same time it was positive that we fought for second place in the last part of the championship,” said Elkann.
The careers of Leclerc and Sainz at Ferrari
Charles Leclerc has been linked to Ferrari since March 2016 and rose quickly to become the main Formula 1 team after just one season in the top flight. Leclerc proved himself to be a top driver from the start, taking two wins – including Ferrari’s first at Monza in nine years – and surpassing four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
Despite two difficult years in midfield Ferrari returned to winning ways With the change in ground effect regulations, Leclerc led 1-2 in the opening round. However, with Red Bull developing rapidly, Leclerc was only able to take two wins, although he managed to hold off Sergio Perez and secure second place in the overall standings.