Carlos Sainz appeared calm and collected as he addressed inquiries about Lewis Hamilton potentially taking over his position at Ferrari for the 2025 season and his plans during the recent Ferrari event.
This composure stems from the fact that Sainz, with his two F1 race victories, is currently one of the most desirable drivers due to his impressive track record and form.
Facing the possibility of being replaced, especially by a team you are passionate about, could understandably lead to disappointment, particularly when you believe you have performed exceptionally well in the last three years.
Nevertheless, the prospect of being succeeded by a driver as esteemed as Hamilton softens the blow somewhat (Ferrari would likely have renewed his contract if Hamilton hadn’t been available). Additionally, Sainz is buoyed by the knowledge that numerous teams are reportedly vying for his services.
Considering the availability of seats across eight teams in 2025 – including high-profile names like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin, as well as Alpine, Williams, RB, Sauber, and Haas – Sainz finds himself in an enviable position. It’s arguably the best time for a driver to be seeking new opportunities within F1.
Sainz is taking his time to make a decision, aware that a promising opportunity awaits him regardless of the direction he chooses. The critical question for him is deciding on the nature of the project he wishes to join.
He must weigh whether he prefers a situation where success and podium finishes are immediate possibilities with teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, or Aston Martin, or a scenario where he might play a pivotal role in leading and developing a team, with the likes of Alpine, Williams, RB, Sauber, and Haas presenting such an opportunity.
“I know I have been performing well recently,” he mentioned during our conversation last week. “I know there will be very good opportunities out there to remain competitive in the future in other teams.
“Now it is time to analyze carefully, listen a bit to everyone, hear a bit from everyone, and make sure I give myself some time to know exactly what I want to do in the future and where I’m going to spend my next, who knows, three or four years of my career.
“I’m turning 30 this year, which means I’m probably around my peak, so I want to make sure I give myself some time to analyze and hear a bit about everyone to see where I can go.”
It’s clear that some options are more appealing to him than others, yet at this moment, he’s keeping all possibilities open.
One non-negotiable aspect is his desire for a stable agreement. His previous three contracts were for multiple years, providing him with a sense of continuity and the ability to concentrate on his performance without any distractions.
The idea of signing a short-term contract, such as a one-year agreement or a one-year with an option for an additional year, similar to what Hamilton experienced with Mercedes, is not something he finds attractive.
He continued, “Wherever I go next, I will look for stability and an interesting project, to become a champion in the future, I believe in stability.
I’m a big believer in consistency, in getting to know the people you work with, and getting yourself involved in the team that you’re in for more than one or two years, so it’s no secret, that is my preference and that is why I need to give myself time to decide well.”
While having options is beneficial, it can also lead to complications, particularly with the upcoming 2026 regulations – these include changes to power unit rules requiring the use of entirely sustainable fuels and an increased dependency on battery power – potentially disrupting the current hierarchy of competitiveness within the sport.
Determining which team will most effectively adapt to these changes is a challenge that Sainz and his management team will need to navigate.
Several factors will play a crucial role in the decision-making process: Which team will develop the superior Power Unit? Is there a robust fuel supplier partnership? What’s the extent of their financial resources? How much are they investing in the team’s development?
Are they enhancing their facilities? Do they possess the latest simulator and wind tunnel technology? And importantly, what does their long-term strategy look like?
A partnership between Sainz and Mercedes appears to be a mutually beneficial match.
Mercedes would gain a driver known for his consistent performance and strong rapport with teammates, while Sainz would benefit from driving for a team with top-notch facilities and the financial strength to compete at the highest level. However, Mercedes faces a dilemma with their rising star Kimi Antonelli.
If Antonelli shows promise this year, will Mercedes plan his progression through Williams and then to Mercedes, potentially leaving only a short-term opening for Sainz?
This scenario might not align with Sainz’s preferences, prompting Mercedes to consider integrating Antonelli into their lineup for 2027 or 2028, after further experience in F2 or another team like Williams. This would create a more attractive two or three-year window for Sainz to partner with George Russell.
Sainz is likely confident in his ability to outperform Russell, potentially swaying the team’s management to favor him over Russell when making room for Antonelli.
Aston Martin also emerges as a compelling choice, especially as Fernando Alonso’s career winds down, and with Lawrence Stroll’s ambitions to sustain the team’s upward trajectory, a driver of Sainz’s caliber would be highly valued.
Williams has shown significant interest in Sainz, presenting an opportunity for him to join a team on the rise, backed by substantial resources. It’s a gamble, but one that could yield great rewards. Sauber, set to become Audi’s factory team in 2026, offers another intriguing possibility.
Sainz’s familiarity with team leader Andreas Seidl from their time at McLaren, combined with his father’s connections to Audi, positions Sauber as an attractive option.
Having parted on good terms, Red Bull and RB remain viable choices for Sainz, stemming from his history with the Red Bull junior program. Alpine could also be a potential destination, offering a return to a familiar environment where he previously competed under the Renault name.
With all these considerations, Sainz and his advisors have ample to ponder in the coming weeks and months.
