Carlos Sainz has not yet made a decision about his future – While he wants to take his time, the interested teams are getting impatient
The clock is ticking: Carlos Sainz will drive his last Formula 1 season for Ferrari in 2024, from 2025 he will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton. In Spielberg, he finished third behind George Russell and Oscar Piastri to secure an important podium finish for his current team. But the Spaniard has not yet decided where he will be racing in 2025, and the interested teams are also becoming impatient
However, Sainz doesn’t want to feel any pressure on a race Sunday after a podium with Ferrari; he wants to enjoy the moment. “I’m celebrating here and wearing the Ferrari racing suit. I’m enjoying this moment because I don’t know when I’ll next experience something like this. There might be teams that are a bit nervous and put pressure on me, but now I’m enjoying the podium.”
Sainz relies on direct, open and transparent discussions with the teams and makes it clear: “This is such an important decision that I am taking all the time I need to make it. If the teams can’t wait or are impatient, there’s nothing I can do. It’s my future, my decision, and I’m trying to be as honest as possible and take the time I need.”
But who are the candidates who would like Sainz to join their team? In addition to Sauber, Audi, Williams and Alpine are currently on the list of interested parties. Mercedes and Red Bull are probably no longer options for the Spaniard, who is facing a difficult decision after ten years in Formula 1 and four years at Ferrari. He is currently exploring how he can best remain competitive in the future.
Williams is said to be impatient, which is why the team is now looking for other alternatives to fill the vacant cockpit for the 2025 season. Sainz himself does not want to confirm which teams he is in contact with. Alpine could be an option, as Flavio Briatore is trying to get Mercedes engines for Alpine, which could help the team move up the hierarchy
