Carlos Sainz: “I want to start this year by signing a contract and knowing my destiny”

Carlos Sainz probably had his best season with Ferrari in 2023. In his third season in Maranello colors, the Spaniard has established himself in the Italian team, the only one able to compete directly with Charles Leclerc and win. Red Bulls. Therefore, no one doubts the Madrid native’s abilities anymore.

Despite his great performance, as explained by the driver himself at a karting event in Madrid organized by his sponsor Estrella Galicia 0.0, which the MD could also attend, his ambitions are even greater. We are moving forward and want to fight for more. . You have to go all the way. And Sainz has made it clear that Ferrari is the ideal place to do it. Although he needs to improve some aspects in order to compete with Verstappen.

“It’s been a tough year. Logically, there have been some very beautiful moments like Singapore. Qualifying is always better than the race. We always want to qualify for the podium or the win. I was able to get a lot of points, but I ended up taking a step back. I need to understand why I miss that small step during a race. Plus, I wish both the beginning and end of the season had been a little better. We want to fight for more this year than ever before. But at the same time, we’re proud of the progress we’ve shown in the second half of the year. “We’re not going to taint it with the last two races. ”

But like any driver, Sainz has other concerns. That means his future is tied up. At the moment, the update is not yet complete, even though both sides are very happy with each other. For Carlos, it is key for him to feel accepted by the team. “I feel completely valued by Fred, and the whole Ferrari family. I feel loved, so when I feel that way and when I feel valued, I renew. As a driver, if that’s your top priority and that’s what we both want, I’m sure we’ll reach an agreement.”

“The reality is, we had a conversation the other day where Fred Vasseur said, “I want to know where I’m going to be in 2025. I don’t want to start without knowing what my next destination is.” My first priority is Ferrari and to be there for many more years. It’s no secret, it’s a team that I’m very happy with. We need to agree in the next few months.”

A full calendar with Madrid?

Another big public debate at the Great Circus is the number of circuits that will make up the 2024 calendar, with 24 circuits scheduled next year, two more than in the previous campaign. As long as it’s planned wisely, it shouldn’t bother Sainz too much.

“I don’t know if this word is gaining success or not, but F1 will have to adapt to 24 races. We have a good calendar and a schedule that helps the human staff. Energy management is important in F1. The key will be who knows how to manage these forces throughout the year.”

And, as unlikely as it would be otherwise, the future F1 calendar opens the door to the question on every Spanish motorsport fan’s mind: “Where will our GPs stop?” Sainz has made it clear. “My priority is to hold a GP in Spain. I am not picky between Madrid and Barcelona. “It’s going to be an event. As someone from Madrid, I’m happy to be able to ride here,” he concluded.