Sainz 'sat home laughing' at Ferrari contract issue reports

Carlos Sainz says he was sat at home "laughing" when reading reports of issues during negotiations over a contract extension with Ferrari.

The Spaniard has signed a new deal to keep him at the Scuderia through to the end of 2024 in a move that matches the longevity of team-mate Charles Leclerc's agreement.

The two parties were keen to secure the extension given Sainz's 2021 performances, overcoming the difficulties of switching teams over the winter from McLaren to secure fifth in the drivers' standings ahead of former team-mate Lando Norris and Leclerc.

Responding to the announcement of the extension ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend, Sainz said the process was "super straight forward to be honest".

He added: "It has been easy going I guess after such a good first year as we had. Just getting to agree through the winter was fairly easy for both parties.

"Now, having the opportunity to announce in a place like Imola in front of the Tifosi on a weekend like this, it was ideal.

"We put together a good plan for the announcement."

On the rumours surrounding sticking points during negotiations, Sainz replied: "You can imagine how much I was laughing at home when people started writing these things.

"I had everything pretty much done and we were just waiting for Imola to announce so yeah, funny times like always in Formula 1."

Ferrari stability "key" - Sainz

Sainz spent two seasons at McLaren after spells with Toro Rosso [now AlphaTauri] and Renault at the tail-end of the previous decade.

With the Ferrari extension projecting it will be Sainz's longest stay with a team, he has labelled stability as the "key" to building the confidence to perform on-track.

"It is no secret recently that not only me, you have heard also other drivers saying that it is important on the drivers' side to have the mind focused on the performance, on the racing and not having to focus too much on what the future holds," said Sainz.

"For me, since I discovered this when I raced for McLaren I have been very vocal towards it and obviously, I have been pretty sure over the winter we were going to secure this.

"So it is not like I was worried in the first three races but it always gives you that extra bit of a boost."

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