Sainz joined Ferrari at the beginning of this season to partner Charles Leclerc in place of the outgoing Sebastian Vettel. In the first year of his two year partnership with the team, Sainz has already outscored his teammate, helping the team to a P3 constructors’ championship finish, as well as finishing fifth in the drivers’ standings.

The Spaniard's adaptability allowed him to settle in with the team quite quickly, netting him four podiums across the season, including an impressive P3 in the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Following Sainz' impressive performance throughout the season, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto was jokingly asked if now was the best time to nail down a contract extension. Binotto was quick to recognise the skill of his driver and confirmed discussions regarding their future together will take place in the near future.

“I think Carlos [Sainz] did a great year,” he said.

“When we signed a year ago, we said that winter time, so this is winter time, [is] the right moment to sit down and have a review of the season. That is something we will certainly do during the winter.

“There will be certainly a review altogether, and of the season itself, and we’ll start discussing what can be our future.”

Signing off from #F1Testing and 2021 with @CarlosSainz55 ❤️

We can’t wait to get back on track in 2022 🙌#essereFerrari 🔴 pic.twitter.com/HNLNHbem1e

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 15, 2021

Binotto continued to express his confidence in both of the Italian outfits' drivers, firmly believing the team has the strongest driver lineup on the grid, an opinion shared by many fans. Binotto echoed comments made earlier in the season that the Spaniard was signed based on his consistency, which was especially evident during his spell with Mclaren.

“When we signed with Carlos [Sainz], the objective was to have two good drivers that were good racers, consistent and capable of scoring points for the team,” Binotto said.

“I think it’s what we got this season. So I’m very proud of both of them. I think as I often said, we’ve got the best line-up in Formula 1, and I’m pretty happy with what Carlos did this season.

“Being his very first season with Ferrari, it was not straightforward and obvious. We signed with him because we said he is a good racer, consistent, always scoring good points. But I think he’s as well a good learner.

“During the season, he has improved, and I think that the end of the season is his best part of the entire season.”