After Audi News Went Viral, Close Source to Carlos Sainz Reveals Contradicting Plans as Future With Ferrari Is Priority

The latest news about Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz suggested that the Spanish driver might be headed to Audi, having already agreed to a pre-contract with the team. The German automotive manufacturer is set to compete in F1 from the 2026 season onwards. However, Motorsport Italy now contradicts these reports, as per the Spaniard’s entourage. A close source of Sainz has opened up to say he is happy at Ferrari and is looking to continue their partnership.

Sainz is heading into the final year of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2024 season. With no talks of extensions ongoing, the Madrid-born driver has been feeling unsettled at the Maranello-based outfit.

Ferrari still considers Sainz an essential asset to the team, and despite Audi’s interest in signing the 28-year-old, he remains loyal to the Italian squad.

Close Source to Carlos Sainz reports no pre-contract agreement with Audi

While Fred Vasseur has shown no interest in opening contract talks anytime soon, the general consensus now believes that both drivers will extend their deals without any hassle. A close, unnamed source to Sainz has told Motorsport Italy that there has been no pre-contract agreement between the Spaniard and the Germans, with the driver showing full intentions of continuing his association with Ferrari. Sainz’s close source reportedly said:

“Plan a is Ferrari. Plan B is Ferrari and plan C also remains Ferrari.”

With Ferrari reportedly offering a mammoth new contract to Charles Leclerc, Sainz’s continued loyalty to the team might also fetch him fruit. Should he continue meeting Ferrari’s expectations on and off the track, there is little chance of Ferrari not extending Sainz’s contract.

Leclerc’s new contract might mean good news for Sainz too

Ferrari recently offered Charles Leclerc a massive $198,500,000 extension contract. As the Monégasque driver inches closer to the end of his current contract, the renewal could also bear fruit for his Spanish teammate. Sainz’s attitude towards his teams has been his biggest strength. When Ferrari signed him, people saw Sainz as their second driver, but he has never let that tag stick to him. His contributions to improving F1-75 was vital for the team and they see him as a crucial asset.

With the latest news, the situation around Carlos Sainz suggests he will continue being a Ferrari driver beyond 2024. However, with the entry of Audi in 2026, only time will tell whether Sainz will side with Ferrari or Audi.