Carlos Sainz explores Formula 1 options post-Ferrari snub
- Rob Fleming
- 23 February 2024
Carlos Sainz finds himself at the crossroads of his Formula 1 journey following Ferrari's decision not to extend his contract.
Rather opting instead for the seasoned Lewis Hamilton in the 2025 season. The Spanish driver, with two wins under his belt during his stint with the Scuderia, now navigates the complex web of possibilities in a bid to secure his F1 future.
Sainz, known for his tenacity on the track, is not limiting his options to the Audi project set to debut in 2026. In a recent statement, he revealed, "My name now is linked to everything, not only Audi or Mercedes, because realistically, I'm talking to everyone and I'm seeing all my options." This suggests a wide array of potential destinations for the talented driver, showcasing the competitive nature of the F1 driver market.
Contrary to expectations, Sainz clarified that he won't be contributing to Ferrari's 2025 car development, emphasizing a shift in focus towards extracting maximum performance from the current SF-24. "My future is clear in terms of I will not be in Ferrari in 2025, so all the focus is on 2024 on how to extract the maximum performance," stated Sainz, highlighting his commitment to delivering strong performances for the team despite the impending departure.
Reflecting on the unexpected contract snub, Sainz expressed his surprise, saying, "It was a hard hit. Of course, it was a hard hit because I didn't expect it. I was pretty sure I was gonna renew my contract with Ferrari, and all the conversations until then had been positive." Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about his future in Formula 1, believing that he is in a favourable position to choose his next move wisely.
"I still feel like I'm in a good situation; I still can choose where to go next. I've put myself in a good position to be able to choose well and where I want to do my next steps in my career," affirmed Sainz, displaying resilience and confidence in navigating the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
As the motorsport community await Sainz's next move, the intrigue surrounding his potential shift to Audi adds an extra layer of excitement to the evolving F1 narrative.
Read More: Carlos Sainz dominates Day 2 of Bahrain pre-season Formula 1 testing (planetsport.com)
