The speculations surrounding the future of Carlos Sainz continue as the Spaniard is yet to sign an extension with Ferrari. Rumors have emerged recently that the team could consider replacing him with Alex Albon, who has been in great form recently. As these rumors continue to gain steam, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has broken his silence on the same.
Albon has undoubtedly been mightily impressive recently as he has scored 10 of Williams’ 11 points in just the past three races. Such consistent performances from him have resulted in the 27-year-old once again falling on the radar of some of the top teams.
Most of the rumors suggest that he could join Ferrari as Sainz has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated with the team. The Spaniard is reportedly unhappy as he has had to play second fiddle on most occasions to teammate Charles Leclerc. Hence, if Sainz does end up leaving Ferrari, an opportunity could open up for Albon at the team.
Fred Vasseur says he is happy to have Carlos Sainz at Ferrari
While speaking in a recent interview with itmotorsport.com, Fred Vasseur gave his thoughts on the ongoing rumors surrounding the future of Carlos Sainz. When asked if the Spaniard was nervous because of the ongoing rumors that Ferrari may sign Alex Albon, Vasseur replied, “I don’t know where this story came from“.
He then added, “I have had Albon in the past. We’re friends. But…if a reporter asks me if Alexander is currently doing a good job, I say yes. But that doesn’t mean I am interested“.
The French team principal then concluded his remarks for this question by stating that since Albon also has a contract with Williams until the end of the 2024 season, he does not understand why such rumors have emerged. With Vasseur also repeatedly having stood up for his drivers, it seems unlikely that Ferrari are thinking of replacing any of their two drivers.
Vasseur has repeatedly stood up for both Sainz and Leclerc
Even though frustrations have grown recently in the Ferrari camp because of their recent struggles to match the pace of their rivals, Fred Vasseur has yet stood up for both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc repeatedly. When asked about his drivers’ recent mistakes, the 55-year-old explained in the same interview that such things can happen to anybody as they try their best to find the limit each time.
Vasseur then also gave his thoughts about why it is only a matter of time before Ferrari extends the deals of both Sainz and Leclerc. He said that since both his drivers still have a one-year contract with the team, there is no urgency at the moment to extend it. This is because Vasseur believes that there is a far greater urgency to solve the problems that Ferrari are currently going through at the moment in terms of pace.
After stating all of this, the Frenchman concluded his remarks in epic fashion by adding, “There was an article published in the press that spoke of Sainz at Sauber. Never mind…” Considering Vasseur’s remarks, it seems clear that Ferrari have more pressing concerns at the moment than their drivers’ contracts, and that the future of Sainz is secure at the team.
