Carlos Sainz recently stated at a sponsor event his goal is to have a contract signed before the start of the 2024 season.
Similar to 13 more drivers on the grid, including his teammate Charles Leclerc, Sainz's contract with his team expires at the end of the 2024 season.
The Spanish driver told the media throughout 2023 that he wanted to focus on his performances first and would look at contracts during the winter break.
Now that the winter break is here, Ferrari opened negotiations with both of its F1 drivers. Rumors suggested Leclerc had a five-year contract on the table, and Sainz was offered a two-year contract.
Some rumors even suggested Leclerc had already signed his contract, but Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, recently stated his team is in no rush with the contracts.
While Vasseur previously said he would like to have both drivers solved before Christmas, he has now moved the deadline to the first race of the 2024 season.
Sainz seems to be on the same page with his team principal as he also recently stated during a sponsor event in Madrid that he wants to have everything solved before the start of next season. As reported by motorsport.com, he said:
"My goal is to start in 2024 knowing where I'm going to race in 2025. I wouldn't like to start the season without knowing my next destination."
Similar to 2023, Sainz would not want to have to deal with contract negotiations during the season when he needs to have full focus on his own performances.
The Ferrari driver has been with Ferrari for three seasons already and during this time, he achieved ten podiums and two Grand Prix Victories with the team.
The 29-year-old also recently stated he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his time with the Italian team as it is the best place to win.