29-year-old F1 driver could be close to contract extension after entering final year of deal

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Ferrari could be one of the first teams to sign up two new drivers for the 2025 season with Carlos Sainz potentially close to a contract extension.

It’s been touted that his teammate Charles Leclerc’s new deal could be announced when Ferrari launches their car next month.

And a report from Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Ferrari may be close to securing his future as well.

With so many drivers potentially moving on this year, teams will be desperate to tie down the best drivers possible heading into the 2025 season.

Ferrari are the highest-profile team with both of their seats potentially up for grabs next year.

Max Verstappen’s future is tied to Red Bull for years to come, while Mercedes extended both of their driver’s contracts until the end of next season.

There are plenty of drivers who would love to race for the legendary Italian team, including Alex Albon who is highly-rated by Vasseur’s outfit.

But it looks like Carlos Sainz will be handed a contract extension soon, although how long they want to tie down the 29-year-old is another matter.

There’s an interest in Lando Norris but his contract doesn’t expire until the end of 2025 and McLaren are unlikely to want to let him go in a hurry.

The Spaniard has been a consistent performer for Ferrari and achieved their only win last season.

But whether they believe they can win championships with Sainz at the wheel is another matter.

Sainz could be close to contract extension

The report suggests that Ferrari are looking for their drivers to show faith in the development of the team.

They believe Leclerc has done so by agreeing to a long-term deal, while ‘could also be close’ to extending Sainz’s time with The Prancing Horse.

Sainz has not hidden the fact that he wants to stay at Ferrari and would likely jump at the chance of a contract extension if it was presented to him.

But if Leclerc is the team’s priority, then it does feel like a matter of when not if they want to bring in a new partner for the Monegasque.

That could be Norris as mentioned above, or if Sainz earns a slightly longer deal, then potentially academy driver Ollie Bearman could be ready for a spot on the works team.

A move to Haas in 2025 isn’t out of the question and if he performs like Leclerc did during his one season with Sauber, then they might decide to bring him into the fold.