Sainz chuffed to land a Ferrari seat
– Spanish driver Carlos Sainz (right) will replace fourtime Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari next season, while Daniel Ricciardo has signed a “multi-year” deal with McLaren from 2021.
“It’s a dream,” said Sainz in a video he posted on social media. “I think you can imagine how happy I am, and what a special day it is for me.”
Sainz, 25, will leave McLaren following the 2020 season to partner 22-year-old Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, forming the team’s youngest pairing in the past 50 years.
“With five seasons already behind him, Carlos has proved to be very talented and has shown that he has the technical ability and the right attributes to make him an ideal fit with our family,” said Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto. “We’ve embarked on a new cycle with the aim of getting back to the top in Formula 1. It will be a long journey, not without its difficulties,” he added, referring to the additional challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We believe that a driver pairing with the talent and personality of Charles and Carlos... will be the best possible combination to help us reach the goals we have set ourselves.”
Sainz emerged in pole position to succeed Vettel at Maranello after the German announced on Tuesday he was quitting Ferrari after talks over a new contract broke down.
Sainz, whose father, also
Carlos, is a two-time world rally champion, drove for Red Bull’s feeder team Toro Rosso and Renault before impressing with McLaren last season.
He secured the once all-conquering British team’s first podium place in almost six years in Brazil last year.
The signing will also end any lingering speculation about Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes for Ferrari.
Sainz said he planned to finish strongly with McLaren when the season resumes. –