Shortly before the end of the summer break, there is still a lot going on in the Formula 1 rumor mill. Latest subject of explosive speculation: a sensational return to Ferrari.
Charles Leclerc is said to be signing a record contract, Carlos Sainz is said to be about to jump: The “Silly Season” in Formula 1 does not stop at Ferrari either.
The future of the Spaniard in particular has recently been the subject of numerous reports. Sainz is repeatedly brought up for discussion at Sauber and Audi. There was even talk of a preliminary contract with the successor team to Alfa Romeo.
The well-connected F1 reporter Lawrence Barretto, on the other hand, recently reported in an article on the website of the premier class that Sainz enjoys “a high reputation” among Ferrari engineers and is “in a good position” with regard to an extension of his contract, which expires in 2024.
The Catalan portal “El Nacional” sees Sainz’ future with the most successful racing team in Formula 1 history much less rosy. As before, there have been no talks about expanding the cooperation between the bosses in Maranello and Sainz, it is said. You are looking for a partner for Leclerc who will raise the team’s internal competition level to a new level – and therefore do not see this in the former McLaren driver.
Formula 1: Fernando Alonso a candidate at Ferrari?
Instead, another, much more prominent driver at Ferrari is said to be very popular: Fernando Alonso, who was already in the red racer between 2010 and 2014.
The now 42-year-old veteran should not only be expected to perform better than Sainz in the Italian camp. With regard to Leclerc’s development, Alonso is said to be the better choice for Ferrari management.
Alonso himself could not be averse to a return, as “El Nacional” suspects. His untitled Ferrari era still lingers on the two-time world champion – especially since he narrowly missed out on several occasions in the Drivers’ World Championship with three second places in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
The living Formula 1 legend is currently driving successfully for Aston Martin, where he signed a multi-year contract as successor to Sebastian Vettel last summer.