F1 | Emilia Romagna GP | Sainz speaks about Ferrari contract renewal, says it was really "easy going"
The Spaniard was confirmed for at least another two years with the Scuderia Ferrari.
Rumors fly through the Formula 1 skies all the time. Rumors and gossip are always present in the category pinnacle of motorsport until the last burning topic on the paddock is confirmed.
On the preview of the 2022 Emilia Romagna GP at Imola, it was confirmed that Carlos Sainz Jr. will continue driving for Ferrari for ‘at least’ two more years, in a contract extension that sees the Spaniard continuing his career with the prancing horse (his 5th team during his F1 career) since 2021, even though the paddock was whispering this would be his last year with the Maranello team.
"You can imagine how much I was laughing at home when people started writing these things!" says the former McLaren driver.
"Because I had everything pretty much done and we were just waiting for Imola to announce it. Funny times, like always in Formula 1, with the gossip and all that."
BREAKING: @Carlossainz55 will be a @ScuderiaFerrari driver until 2024! #F1 pic.twitter.com/hKq913H251
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 21, 2022
The Spaniard was very clear, negotiations for this new contract were "super straightforward".
"It's been easy going,"
"I guess, after such a good first year we had. Just getting to agree through the winter was fairly easy for both parties and just now having the opportunity to announce in a place like Imola, in front of the Tifosi, on a weekend like this, it was ideal.”
"So, we put together a good plan for the announcement being here."
Impressive @ScuderiaFerrari stats from Carlos 👏#F1 pic.twitter.com/kujD9O7KMS
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 21, 2022
Finally, when asked by motorsport.com on his thoughts about a contract that gives the driver stability to onlky focus on driving and performing, the 27-years-old assured: "It's key.”
"It's no secret recently that not only me, I think you've heard also other drivers saying that it's important on the driver's side to have full mind focus on the performance, on the racing, and not having to focus too much on what the future holds.
"And for me, I have been, since I discovered when I raced for McLaren, I've been very vocal towards contract stability.”
"And yeah, honestly, I've been pretty sure all the winter that we were gonna secure this, so it's not like I was worried in the first three races. But it always gives you that extra bit of a boost."
