Carlos Sainz has outlined his primary focus in selecting his next destination within the realm of Formula 1, amidst swirling speculation linking the departing Ferrari driver to Audi, alongside potential moves to Mercedes or a reunion with the Red Bull outfit.
Being one of the most coveted free agents in the ongoing F1 driver market ‘silly season’, Sainz finds himself at the center of much conjecture. His association with the Audi project, alongside rumored interest from Mercedes and Red Bull, has kept the rumor mill churning.
Initially harboring hopes of prolonging his tenure with Scuderia Ferrari, Sainz’s plans were disrupted by the team’s signing of Lewis Hamilton to a multi-year contract prior to the commencement of the current F1 campaign, compelling the Spaniard to reconsider his options.
A significant factor in Sainz’s potential move to Audi lies in his father’s, Carlos Sainz Sr., affiliation with the brand stemming from his experiences in the Dakar Rally.
This familial connection could serve as a facilitator for Sainz Jr.’s prospective transition to the Stake F1 team for the 2025 season. It’s rumored that Sainz Jr. would partner with Nico Hulkenberg, although the team’s current lack of competitive machinery may pose a challenge.
Reflecting on his decision-making process for the upcoming season, the three-time grand Prix victor emphasized the importance of evaluating the offers presented to him and the nature of the projects being proposed.
When queried about his considerations at the Chinese Grand Prix, Sainz Jr. maintained a diplomatic stance, stating, “I think it all depends on what they offer you and what kind of project they are offering.”
“As a driver, I’m always gonna try and look for the fastest option available. Especially given the form I’m in.
“I think that if given the right car on the right year, I can win races and be on the podium – and I can win this year. That’s my number one priority as a driver, to win. This is always installed in my hard work and something that I always will look for.”
Sainz stands out as the sole driver, aside from Max Verstappen, to clinch a grand prix victory this season. Remarkably, these two drivers stand alone as the only victors in Formula 1 for almost a year, with Sergio Perez’s most recent triumph dating back to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 30 April 2023.
For Sainz to maintain his winning momentum, Red Bull emerges as the most promising avenue.
While Mercedes could potentially offer him similar prospects, contingent upon him committing to a multi-year contract extending at least until the conclusion of 2026, the team from Brackley must also weigh the future of Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Nevertheless, Sainz remains open-minded about his future and isn’t solely fixated on remaining with one of the current front-runners in Formula 1. He acknowledges that various other compelling options exist, both in the medium and long term, which he is actively considering.
“There are, for sure, some other very interesting medium-term and long-term options out there that I will consider and that I am considering,” he noted. “Every option has its pluses or minuses, let’s put it like that.
“I’ll consider all of them, but as I said before, the best thing is that all the good options are still there, and we can still have a look at it.”
