Carlos Sainz Jr. top contender for the Ferrari seat
According to various sources, the Maranello based team is in the process of sorting out details for the Carlos’s contract for the next season. An official confirmation from Ferrari shouldn’t be surprising as it has been hinted since a long time.
Ferrari announced on 12th May that they will not be renewing Sebastian Vettel’s contract for 2021. Ferrari now has a vacant seat for next year. Even before the official announcement it was reported that Ferrari was considering 3 potential replacements, if Vettel decides to leave Maranello.
Carlos Sainz : On his way to Maranello
Seemingly, Ferrari is considering Sainz, Ricciardo and Giovinazzi. Frankly Giovinazzi seems unlikely given that he barely kept his seat at Alpha Romeo and not in a position at all to upgrade to Ferrari.
Ferrari may take the decision very very soon
“Small details delay Ferrari’s announcement of Sainz as driver for 2021. It could be announced as soon as this week”
There hasn’t been any racing going on and frankly we all have been surprised with the silly season going on in the background. If the deal does happen then it was be the craziest week in F1 in 2020.
Why not Riccariardo?
Arguably, Daniel Ricciardo is a better replacement but then Ferrari will have to contend with two no. 1 drivers. Ferrari have put all their faith behind Charles Leclerc by signing a multi-year contract with him. He is their de-facto no.1. In fact this is one of the reasons why Vettel is leaving. Ferrari would not want the same situation again.
Second, Daniel is one of the highest paid drives on the grid and Ferrari would be reluctant to pay a huge amount to sign him.
No doubt that Daniel is fast and a proven race winner but Carlos has the hunger too and he has been very impressive in the McLaren. He is a team player and would be willing to take up the challenge of being in the hot seat at Ferrari.
Carlos is smart and fast, without creating much of a nuisance, exactly what Ferrari needs. You cannot exactly call him a no. 2 driver but he is young and can bide his time for a chance in the future.