Carlos Sainz Jnr is determined to find a place on the grid next year despite admitting he is unlikely to find a sufficiently competitive drive.
The Ferrari driver, who will lose his place to Lewis Hamilton next year, told media at Spa-Francorchamps his preference for next year is to have “a championship-winning car.”“The likelihood of that, we all know that is small, but that’s always been my target,” he added. “And if that doesn’t happen, I’ll choose what’s best for my near future, for sure.”
However he ruled out spending a year on the sidelines in the hope of finding a more competitive seat in 2026.
“Absolutely no, a sabbatical is not even in my head,” he said. “I’m happy in Formula 1, I love Formula 1 and I would rather go down to a midfield team and use my skill, in the peak of my career, to try and help a midfield team to find the right way than taking a year off or being third driver for anyone. I’m competitive and I know I can still bring to a midfield team that side of me.”
Audi, which will take over Sauber at the end of 2025, is among Sainz’s options. The manufacturer announced this week former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who hired Sainz to the team in 2021, will join them next month. However Sainz said that connection does not change his view of Audi as a potential destination.
“I’m not up to date with everything that is going on at every team,” he said, “but of course I think the arrival of Mattia to any team is positive, mainly because he has the experience of what it takes to build a team that is a top team nowadays, like it is at Ferrari,” he said.
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“He has that experience from Ferrari that he can bring into Audi and I’m sure it’s a great asset for them and that’s why they hired him. Of course, I wish him all the best there.”
Williams and Alpine are also understood to be vying for Sainz’s services. The latter is believed to be in discussions with Mercedes about a future engine deal.
Sainz remains unsure when his future will be settled. “I don’t know if it’s going to be before or after the summer break,” he said.
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BLS (@brightlampshade)
26th July 2024, 7:56
I assume his first choice is Mercedes, but that would be dependent on them getting Kimi into Williams? Can’t see him back at Red Bull but stranger things have happened.
Ogden
26th July 2024, 9:14
good points. I hadn’t thought about Merc swapping Antonelli into Williams and giving Carlos Lewis’ seat . Makes great sense all around. Merc gets a seasoned capable driver when they need it, Antonelli gets much needed experience. This needs to happen soon, or Sainz may well get sucked into the circus that is Alpine/Renault.
RandomMallard
26th July 2024, 12:43
@brightlampshade I feel Sainz is too strong a driver for Merc not to sign him. Sure, Antonelli looks like a great prospect, but I still don’t think he’s ready for a top team yet – even Verstappen got a season and a bit at Toro Rosso. Give him to Williams – or even Alpine if they end up taking Mercedes engines – for a season or two to get up to speed, and then put him in the Merc when either Russell or Sainz moves on.
MichaelN
26th July 2024, 9:01
This is such a weird situation for someone like Sainz to be in. He’s doing a great job, and would be an asset to many leading teams, including Red Bull and Mercedes.
An Sionnach
26th July 2024, 11:28
The most interesting driver after Max, Lewis and Alonso. Intelligent and demonstrates a capacity to learn and improve. My view of him has changed a lot since 2022. Should be in the best car possible. I hope he gets it. Mercedes is better than Ferrari and should improve in the next years. I’m not sure where Red Bull is going. It would be interesting to see him in with Max. Max is the best, but perhaps Red Bull need to light a fire under him, just as he is happy to do to them? From Sainz’ perspective, I would not choose Red Bull over Mercedes. Out of all the drivers in the field, it’s most important to have a better car than Max.
DB-C90 (@dbradock)
26th July 2024, 12:16
I just can’t understand why Mercedes haven’t fallen over themselves to sign Sainz. He’s by far the best prospect they have to replace Lewis.
There’s just no seats available in an improving midfield team. Those that have seats are backmarkers at best and other than Williams show no real signs of moving up.
bernasaurus (@bernasaurus)
26th July 2024, 12:34
I might have missed this, but with the rumoured Alpine / Mercedes deal. I’m guessing Alpine would need to be rebranded? And if so, to what? What happens to Viry? I don’t know what else they make there.
An Sionnach
26th July 2024, 13:01
If they get rid of the Renault staff they should offer the job to Flavio. If he has the energy for it, he’s the man. He can make a decision and he will ruthlessly pursue success.
Nick T.
26th July 2024, 21:50
Yup, as much as so many hate him, he’s a highly effective leader. He’s already whipping Alpine into shape. And, no, they’ve got no plans to rebrand Alpine.
Jungle
26th July 2024, 13:19
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. He needs to make a decision or a sabbatical may be self inflicted.
Retired (@jeff1s)
26th July 2024, 14:11
I rule out being fired by my company any time soon
Greg
26th July 2024, 15:50
I think he is playing the waiting game a bit too much. We are reaching the summer break and if any of the teams talking to Sainz lose patience then the dominoes could fall and leave him without a seat.
Nick T.
26th July 2024, 21:52
No, he’s doing exactly what he should be doing. His wait has seen more possible seats open up and get a better idea of where teams are truly going by waiting. He’s too valuable a driver for teams to lose patience just to make the life of drivers like Bottas easier.
Phil Norman (@phil-f1-21)
26th July 2024, 18:44
Mercedes is best bet. If they offer him a seat, even for just one season guaranteed, I would take it. The next best option for him I think is Alpine. Especially if they obtain Merc engines. I cannot see Audi coming good very quickly. He could waste 3 or 4 years there.