Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, has said that a resolution regarding Carlos Sainz’s contract should be reached before the conclusion of the current season.
Sainz has expressed his ambition to secure a new long-term contract with Ferrari.
The Spaniard also says that he is not interested in “playing the number two role to Charles Leclerc.”
Leclerc has been less forthcoming than Sainz regarding his future with Ferrari.
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The Monegasque driver’s contract expires at the end of 2024, as does Sainz’s.
Reports have linked Sainz with a potential move to Audi’s Formula One endeavour in 2026.
The Spaniard’s prior collaboration with Andreas Seidl during his tenure at McLaren has positioned him as a possible team leader within Audi’s prospective lineup.
However, Vasseur made his position on retaining Sainz clear, in an interview with media sources in Italy.
He said: “We are aligned… we always receive the same questions and give the same answers!
“We have a lot of time to talk to each other, there are still 18 months of the contract ahead of us.
“On both sides, we want to start the next championship with a clear situation.
“That means we will have to make decisions before the end of the season.
“We are completely aligned with Carlos and his management.”
Carlos Sainz’s performance in the Drivers’ Standings currently places him in seventh position.
While this may not seem outwardly impressive, it has satisfied senior Scuderia staff.
The 28-year-old sits just seven points behind the more reputed Leclerc.
Throughout his third season with Scuderia Ferrari, the Spaniard has showcased consistency and confidence.
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The points difference between Sainz and Leclerc might be tighter if it were not for an incident at the Belgian GP last month.
An opening lap incident involving contact with Oscar Piastri prematurely ended Sainz’s race.
There does seem to be harmony between Sainz and his squad, with the Spaniard determined to establish a stable role within the team.