Formula 1: Carlos Sainz to remain with Ferrari till 2024
Carlos Sainz has signed a fresh two-year deal with Ferrari that will keep him with the Formula 1 giants at least till 2024. Sainz, who was earlier a part of McLaren, had joined Ferrari for a period of two years. The then 25-year-old replaced four-time champion, Sebastian Vettel, to be paired alongside Charles Leclerc to become the youngest driver pairing in Ferrari's recent history.
Why does this story matter?
Sainz's stocks have been on a rise over the last couple of years. As per F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto, the Spaniard had impressed his bosses at Ferrari in the last five races of the previous edition. Sainz's current run makes him a hot commodity in the F1 circles. After signing the extension, Sainz said he cannot wait to do his best for Ferrari.
Sainz extends his contract with Ferrari
A look at Sainz's F1 career
The former Toro Rosso and Renault driver's career took off after joining McLaren. He had a podium finish in each of the two seasons (2019 and 2020). He finished sixth in the drivers' standings with 96 and 105 points respectively. His career leapfrogged with Ferrari, with whom he finished fifth in the 2021 drivers standings with 164.5 points. Overall, Sainz has eight podium finishes.
How has Sainz fared in F1 2022 so far?
Sainz is currently seated third in the drivers standings in the ongoing Formula 1 season. He has tallied 33 points from the first two races at Bahrain GP and Saudi Arabian GP respectively. Sainz, however, retired early in the Australian GP.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix next on offer
Up next, is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix which will take place at the Imola Circuit, Imola (63 laps, 309.049 km). Interestingly, the qualification would be in a sprint format. The starting grid position will be determined post a 100 km race on Saturday. Hamilton (2020), Verstappen (2021), and Fernando Alonso (2005) are among the current drivers to have won a race here.
F1 2022: Leclerc leads the show
Leclerc (71) tops the points tally in the ongoing F1 season. He is followed by Mercedes' George Russell (37), Sainz (33), Sergio Perez (30), Lewis Hamilton (28), Max Verstappen (25), Esteban Ocon (20), Lando Norris (16), Kevin Magnussen (12), and Valteri Bottas (12).
