Carlos Sainz is currently in discussions with multiple Formula 1 teams for a spot on the 2025 grid but is urging swift progress in contract negotiations.
The winner of the Australian Grand Prix has yet to secure a seat for the upcoming season after Ferrari opted for Lewis Hamilton to join Charles Leclerc. There’s speculation about him potentially replacing Hamilton at Mercedes.
Reports suggest that Audi has presented Sainz with a decisive proposition. This comes as the 29-year-old has been linked to the German automaker since it announced entering Formula 1 in 2026.
Returning to the Red Bull team as Max Verstappen’s teammate is also on the table, with team principal Christian Horner confirming Sainz as a viable option.
Despite his remarkable victory in Australia shortly after undergoing surgery for appendicitis, Sainz is faced with numerous possibilities.
However, with more than half of the grid seeking contracts for the 2025 season, Sainz is advocating for urgency in securing his future racing plans.
In response to inquiries about contract negotiations and the extent of discussions with teams, Sainz expressed, “Talking obviously to a few. That’s what my management team and myself should do when I don’t have a job for next year yet, so yeah, we’re talking to pretty much all of them.”
He added, “It’s just a matter of obviously going more into detail and seeing the more realistic options and what are the best options for me and for my future, which I don’t have any news for you or nothing to say here today.”
“The only thing I would say is that, obviously, it’s time now to speed up a bit everything and hopefully we can get it sorted sooner rather than later.”
With another two weeks of recuperation post-surgery, Sainz believes he’s nearing full fitness ahead of the demanding race at Suzuka.
Providing an update on his health and whether he’s fully recovered, Sainz stated, “Yeah, I think so.
I’ve been riding my bike this week. I stayed in Australia for a week and started going back to the gym. Still obviously not lifting heavy numbers like I used to do in the past, but at least I can get my training done and I’m feeling back to 100 percent.”
