Carlos Sainz keeps options open amid 2025 F1 seat speculation
Carlos Sainz insists his "best options are still open" for 2025, but admits the upcoming engine regulation overhaul makes 2026 "a bit like a coin toss" in terms of predicting team fortunes.
Driver market Frenzy
The 2024 Formula 1 driver market is in a rare state of upheaval, with most of the grid's contracts expiring just as Carlos Sainz and his representatives plot his next career move.
The Spaniard, currently at Ferrari, finds himself at the center of paddock speculation after being dropped by the Scuderia in favor of Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
Weighing potential options
Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Sainz addressed the swirling rumors surrounding his future, insisting that his "best options are still open," despite the uncertainty.
"It's going to take some time for everyone to make up their own minds and take their decisions, but the good options are still open,"
he stated.
While Sainz had been linked to Aston Martin before Fernando Alonso's re-signing, teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Audi's prospective takeover of Sauber have emerged as potential destinations.
The 28-year-old emphasized the importance of considering all viable options, given his current contractual flexibility.
2026 Engine regulations: A game-changer
A pivotal factor in Sainz's decision-making process is the introduction of new, simplified power units in 2026.
Drawing parallels to Mercedes' dominance a decade ago after nailing the engine regulations, Sainz views 2026 as "a bit like a coin toss."
"It's impossible to know right now who is going to get it right for 2026,"
Sainz said.
"So, even when I take the decision for when where I'm going to be 2026/2027 – it doesn't matter how much you talk to teams, how much they sell you how good they're doing with the engine – the reality is no one knows."
Competitive ambitions
While Sainz acknowledges the allure of joining a competitive team in 2025, given his current level of performance, he remains pragmatic about the situation.
"It doesn't depend on me, and I need to keep waiting,"
he admitted, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in the driver market.
As the speculation continues to swirl, Sainz remains focused on delivering his best on track, confident that the right opportunity will present itself in due course.
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