Ferrari has extended the contract with Carlos Sainz before the home race in Imola.

The 27-year-old Spaniard now has a working paper that is valid until the end of 2024.

This was announced by the Italian Formula 1 racing team on Thursday.

Sainz has been driving for Ferrari since last season.

The son of rally icon Carlos Sainz switched from McLaren to the Scuderia and is third in the World Championship ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The contract of Sainz' teammate Charles Leclerc is also valid until the end of 2024.

The 24-year-old Monegasse leads the standings ahead of the race weekend at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

Ferrari have the best driver pairing in Formula 1, confirmed team boss Mattia Binotto.

With every race completed, it was just a completely normal step to extend the contract with Sainz.

"Together we can pursue ambitious goals and I am sure that together with Charles he can play a crucial role in reviving the Ferrari legend and writing new history with our team," said Binotto.

So the way from Mick Schumacher to Ferrari as a regular driver is blocked for the time being.

The 23-year-old son of record world champion Michael Schumacher is a member of the Scuderia's junior academy.

This year he is driving his second Formula 1 season again for Ferrari's partner team Haas.

Father Michael drove for Ferrari between 1996 and 2006 and was world champion five times with the Scuderia.