The recent contract extension of Charles Leclerc with Ferrari has raised questions about the future of his teammate, Carlos Sainz.

While Leclerc’s commitment to Ferrari is now certain, Sainz’s contract is set to expire at the end of the year. The lack of a joint announcement for both drivers suggests that Ferrari has not yet reached an agreement with Sainz.

The primary point of contention appears to be the duration of the contract. Sainz, being a valuable asset to Ferrari, likely seeks a long-term deal, given his preference to stay with the team. 

Ferrari, on the other hand, may be hesitant to commit to a lengthy contract, as they might want to keep one race seat open for potential opportunities with young talents becoming available in the next year or two.

While Sainz would prefer to stay with Ferrari, he does have other options. Audi has reportedly shown interest in signing Sainz, especially with plans for the Sauber team, branded as Stake F1, to become Audi’s official works team in 2026. Other teams may also pursue Sainz if he becomes available.

Ferrari holds the power to retain Sainz, who is being courted by other parties. The team’s focus on building around Leclerc is evident, but they must approach Sainz’s contract negotiations carefully to avoid alienating him. 

While the team may have strategic plans for the future, they need to ensure that Sainz feels valued and respected in the negotiation process.