Ferrari sends a clear message to competition: 'Match this'

New deal for Sainz

On Thursday morning Ferrari announced that the contract with Sainz has been extended through 2024. With that, Charles Leclerc and Sainz are fixed until the same year and Ferrari doesn't have to worry about the drivers for a while. The two already worked well together in 2021 and have continued that line in 2022.

Mattia Binotto called it a logical decision to extend the contract with Sainz and perhaps it is. In 2022, the Monegasque looks to emerge as the team's leader, but Sainz is continuously close behind. If the Spaniard can also mould the car more to his style, this could be a very dangerous duo.

Mitchell says in his column for The Race Mitchell says that this is a clear signal to Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. Match this,' according to the journalist, is the signal that Ferrari sends to its competitors. They both have their problems for the coming seasons.

Situation at Red Bull and Mercedes

At Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen has been signed up until 2028, but the team still has to choose between Sergio Perez and Pierre Gasly. Perez performed shakily in 2021 but has started 2022 well. Gasly, however, is a product of their own training and might want to leave if Red Bull does not offer him a seat for 2023.

At Mercedes, a predicament may also arise after 2023 when Lewis Hamilton's contract expires. There is a good chance that the Briton will then quit Formula 1 and it is not yet certain whether George Russell is the man to lead the German team. If this is the case, then a second driver of the calibre of Sainz has yet to be found. It is simply not up for grabs.