Many drivers on the circuit are entering the final year of their contracts in 2024 and as a result of this, there is plenty of drama that is expected to unfold as the season gets underway. One of the best performances last year was seen by Williams driver Alex Albon, who led his team to a P7 in the constructors’ standings. All the good work put in by Albon will result in him replacing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, according to reputed F1 journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm.
Sainz has a contract at Ferrari that runs till the end of the season, but it has plenty of stumbling blocks and the Spaniard’s lack of consistent performances will see the Prancing Horse favour Albon, according to Mitchell-Malm.
Despite not living up to the billing during his Ferrari career, Sainz is reportedly seeking a salary hike on the existing $14 million contract that he has at the Scuderia. With Albon proving to be a much more reasonably-priced option and with it finally looking like he is coming of age at Williams following a disappointing tenure with Red Bull, there could be a direct swap in order.
“I think Alex Albon ends up in the Ferrari alongside [Charles] Leclerc, and I think Sainz gambles on the Audi project longer-term,” Mitchell-Malm said.
It has already been reported that Ferrari is one of two teams keeping a close eye on Albon and in that sense, the British-Thai driver is likely to pounce on any opportunity that comes his way. He is already believed to be finding an exit route in his current deal with Williams as he hopes to give himself the best opportunity to leave a mark in F1.
Even though he predicts Sainz’s future at Ferrari is short-term, Mitchell-Malm feels that the Spanish driver will have plenty of options at his disposal if he is axed.
Sainz is reportedly keen on the project Audi has laid out ahead of its entry through a partnership with Sauber in 2026.
While Audi knows that their entry into F1 is unlikely to result in an overnight success, they will want a driver with a proven track record and rich history in the world of motorsport to spearhead their challenge.
Apart from Audi, Aston Martin could also prove to be a likely destination for Sainz, with Fernando Alonso in the twilight of his career. Alonso collected eight podium finishes last season, but with Honda’s imminent arrival and him being 42 years old, a change in the Lawrence Stroll-owned team is also likely to take place.
It may, however, prove to be a valuable option for Sainz to see out his contract at Ferrari before seeking a future challenge.