Sainz left 'laughing' at rumors of Ferrari contract conflict

Carlos Sainz says rumors of a conflict between Ferrari and himself holding his new deal with the Scuderia left him "laughing at home".

Ferrari announced on Thursday that it had extended Sainz's contract for a fresh two-year period running until the end of 2024.

But earlier this week, a report in Germany contended that the two parties were at odds over the duration of the agreement, with Sainz seeking a straight two-year extension while Ferrari was allegedly only willing to offer a single year and an option.

At Imola on Thursday, ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Sainz set the record straight regarding his dealings with his employer.

"You can imagine how much I was laughing at home when people started writing these things," he said

"Because I had everything pretty much done and we were just waiting for Imola to announce [it]. Funny times, like always in Formula 1, with the gossip and all that."

Sainz said his negotiations with the House of Maranello followed a "super straightforward" process.

"It's been easy going," he added. "I guess, after such a good first year we had.

"Just getting to agree through the winter was fairly easy for both parties and just now having the opportunity to announce in a place like Imola, in front of the Tifosi, on a weekend like this, it was ideal.

"So, we put together a good plan for the announcement being here."

• Read also: Ferrari extends Sainz's contract until the end of 2024!

Sainz began his career in F1 with Toro Rosso in 2015, racing alongside Max Verstappen. The Spaniard's nearly three-year apprenticeship with the Italian outfit was then followed by one season with Renault and two campaigns with McLaren.

The 27-year-old underscored the importance of his latest contract extension which will bring him a peace of mind that will allow him to focus exclusively on his racing.

"It's key," he admitted. "It's no secret recently that not only me, I think you've heard also other drivers saying that it's important on the driver's side to have full mind focus on the performance, on the racing, and not having to focus too much on what the future holds.

"And for me, I have been, since I discovered when I raced for McLaren, I've been very vocal towards this.

"And yeah, honestly, I've been pretty sure all winter that we were gonna secure this, so it's not like I was worried in the first three races [of 2022]. But it always gives you that extra bit of a boost."

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