Sainz has good bargaining power: 'Always better than in bad times'

Not Charles Leclerc, but Carlos Sainz managed to win a Grand Prix on behalf of Ferrari in 2023. The Spaniard - who was regularly thought to be considered a second driver by the Italians - has been in excellent form in recent months, and the win in Singapore could not have come at a better time. Indeed, Sainz is about to enter contract negotiations with the Italian team.

The now two-time Grand Prix winner has never made a secret of the fact that he would like to race for Ferrari even after the 2024 season. If the love is mutual - and there are no signs otherwise - Audi's alleged interest strengthens his position at the table with team boss Fred Vasseur and co. Audi reportedly sees the former Toro Rosso, McLaren and Renault driver as the perfect man to help with Sauber's transition to the German carmaker's factory team.

Talks with Ferrari over winter

Father Carlos Sainz senior - who competes for Audi in the Dakar Rally - previously hinted at Audi's interest in his son, but no serious talks have taken place. Outwardly, his son says little to nothing about Audi, focusing above all on Ferrari. Speaking to Spanish media around a sponsorship event, Sainz junior reiterated his desire to talk to Ferrari first and foremost. Again, he expressed the hope that knots can be made in the winter break, as Sainz does not like going into an uncertain year regarding his future.

For Sainz, it is not necessarily the case that talks will start already in the coming weeks. "Why are you going to start negotiations when there are still four months in the winter where you have the peace and time," the Madrid native said. Sainz doesn't seem too worried either.

"When things are going well in your sporting career, it is always easier to negotiate than when you are in a bad phase, but I don't think the last races have changed the perspective that Ferrari has of me or I have of Ferrari," Sainz told reporters.