Scuderia Ferrari have announced a contract extension with Carlos Sainz ahead of their first home race of the 2022 season at Imola.

The 27-year-old impressed in his first season with the Italian giants last year, scoring four podiums on his way to P5 in the Drivers’ Championship, outscoring teammate Charles Leclerc by 5.5 points in the process.

Despite scoring podiums at the first two events of 2022, Sainz was a step behind Leclerc in Bahrain and Jeddah.

Bad luck in qualifying and a poor mistake in the race last time out at Albert Park – with Leclerc winning and setting the fastest lap – leaves the Spaniard trailing his teammate by 38 points after three rounds.

Speaking about the contract renewal to the end of 2024, Sainz says he’s “very happy”, while Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto called the extension “a natural step.”

Carlos Sainz

"I am very happy to have renewed my contract with Scuderia Ferrari. I have always said that there is no better Formula 1 team to race for and after over a year with them, I can confirm that putting on this race suit and representing this team is unique and incomparable. My first season at Maranello was solid and constructive, with the whole group progressing together. The result of all that work has been clear to see so far season.

"I feel strengthened by this renewed show of confidence in me and now I can’t wait to get in the car, to do my best for Ferrari and to give its fans plenty to cheer about. The F1-75 is proving to be a front-runner, which can allow me to chase my goals on track, starting with taking my first Formula 1 win."

Very happy to renew two more years with @ScuderiaFerrari! Putting on this suit and representing this team is a great honour for me. Ferrari is fighting again at the front of the field and I’ll give it all to try and win both Championships! Vamos!💪🏼🏎

👉https://t.co/zvaaeoRets pic.twitter.com/oeOF6ZgnQD

— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) April 21, 2022

Mattia Binotto

"I have said several times that I believe we have the best driver pairing in Formula 1 and so, with every passing race, it seemed a completely natural step to extend Carlos’ contract, thus ensuring stability and continuity. In his time so far with the team, he has proved to have the talent we expected from him, delivering impressive results and making the most of all opportunities.

"Outside the car, he is a hard worker with an eye for the smallest detail, which has helped the whole group to improve and progress. Together, we can aim for ambitious targets and I’m sure that, along with Charles, he can play a significant part in fuelling the Ferrari legend and will write new chapters in the history of our team."

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗢𝗦 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗦 ✍️

Committing his future with us until 2024, @CarlosSainz55 is staying for another two years 🌶 https://t.co/kxu4MmSlWT#essereFerrari 🔴 #Sainz2024 pic.twitter.com/0ONJCJYm6Y

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 21, 2022