Thursday 21 April 2022 09:15 BST

Carlos Sainz has signed a new contract with Ferrari, keeping him with the Italian team until the end of the 2024 F1 season.

The Spanish driver, who joined as a replacement for Sebastian Vettel in 2021, has formed a much-loved partnership with Charles Leclerc since his arrival and his previous contract was due to expire this year.

His renewal was confirmed ahead of the Emilia-Romagna GP at Ferrari’s home, with Sainz attached for another two years.

“I’ve said many times that I think we have the best driver pairing in Formula 1 and so with each passing race it seemed only natural to extend Carlos’ contract,” the boss said. the team, Mattia Binotto.

“I’ve always said there’s no better Formula 1 team to race for,” added Sainz, 27. “And after more than a year with them, I can confirm that putting on this racing suit and representing this team is unique and second to none.

“I feel empowered by this boost of confidence and now I can’t wait to get in the car, do my best for Ferrari and give its fans something to cheer about.

“The F1-75 is proving to be a precursor, which can allow me to pursue my goals on the track, starting with winning my first victory in Formula 1.”

Sainz is currently third in the championship after Ferrari’s superb start to the season, 38 points behind leader Leclerc.

Sainz impressively beat his Monaco team-mate in his first year in red, but had a tough start to the year by comparison despite Ferrari’s competitive new car and pulled out of the Australian GP.

But his contract extension was always going to be a formality given his form on the track and his partnership with Leclerc and the team off it.

“Together we can aim for ambitious goals.” Binotto said. “And I’m sure that together with Charles he can play an important role in fueling the Ferrari legend and will write new chapters in our team’s history.”

More soon.

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