Ferrari set to announce Leclerc deal to 2028 amid Sainz uncertainty

As Ferrari approaches a pivotal juncture regarding its driver line-up, disparities have surfaced between the contract aspirations of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

According to revelations by La Gazzetta dello Sport, while Leclerc is on the cusp of securing a lucrative five-year extension, Sainz faces an uphill battle negotiating the two-year deal he desires.

Leclerc's new terms

Leclerc, Ferrari's lead driver, is reportedly set to sign a blockbuster five-year contract keeping him at the Scuderia until 2028.

The new deal would include a significant salary hike from his current €25 million to €50 million by 2028.

Performance-related exit clauses will also apply from the third year onwards. An announcement confirming Leclerc's long-term Ferrari future is said to be "imminent" by the Italian publication.

Securing their 25-year-old superstar, who won two races in 2022, reflects Ferrari's faith in Leclerc spearheading their future title charges.

However, with the team finishing a distant third to Red Bull in 2023, the clauses indicate contingencies if the partnership fails to yield championships.

Sainz faces challenge over desired two-year extension

In contrast to his teammate, Sainz faces an uphill battle to merely obtain the two-year extension he desires, says La Gazzetta.

Ferrari is reportedly only willing to offer the 28-year-old Spaniard a single-year renewal, creating a dilemma for Sainz.

Sainz emphasized his wish "to stay at Ferrari for a bit longer" after claiming his maiden win at Singapore this season.

However, with Ferrari eyeing McLaren's Lando Norris as a potential replacement in 2025, Sainz must convince them of his long-term importance in 2024 to secure his optimum deal.

With Norris tied down until late 2025 at McLaren, Sainz's negotiations appear crucial for him to remain at Maranello beyond next season.

Sainz has firmly dismissed speculation linking him to an Audi switch when the German marque starts its F1 entry with Sauber in 2026.

For now, his sole focus will be on forcing Ferrari's hand during contract talks.

The road ahead

As F1's most successful outfit, Ferrari's driver decisions carry significant weight within the sport.

With Leclerc seemingly retained as their championship leader, their judgement on Sainz's role moving forward will have a major impact on driver dynamics there.

After failing to mount a serious title challenge in 2023, Ferrari now faces further uncertainty over one half of its driver line-up.

With the team ambitious to regain glory, it remains to be seen whether Sainz can convince Ferrari bosses he is indispensable beyond just 2024.

Either way, comparisons between him, Leclerc and Norris will now intensify ahead of next season.