At 29 years old, Carlos Sainz faces a pivotal moment in his racing career as he decides his next move for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The upcoming season marks his departure from Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton set to take his place.
This transition leaves Sainz evaluating his options amidst a flurry of speculation and closed doors at top teams.
Red Bull and Mercedes, two powerhouse teams, are no longer viable options for Sainz.
READ: George Russell Sees Lewis Hamilton’s Departure as a ‘Fresh Start’ for Mercedes
Red Bull has committed to Sergio Perez through the 2026 season, and Mercedes has also ruled out a spot for him.
Despite these setbacks, Sainz has received offers from other teams, including Sauber/Audi and Williams.
However, contrary to rumors suggesting his decision was made, Sainz has confirmed that nothing is finalized.
The racing community has been abuzz with rumors about Sainz’s future, some even claiming he had signed with various teams.
Addressing these rumors directly, Sainz expressed his amusement and frustration at the misinformation circulating in the media.
Speaking at the Canadian Grand Prix, he stated, “The only thing I can tell you is there is nothing locked in.”
He continued to highlight the inaccuracies in the reports, “I’ve seen reports in the media – and I don’t know if it’s in Spain – of people saying I’ve signed.
“But when you look at those things, it makes me laugh.
“I remember seeing reports three months ago that I had signed for Mercedes.
“Reports that I had signed for Red Bull.
“Now obviously those places are not going to happen, so it’s just funny that people say I’ve signed for Williams.
“It makes me laugh, knowing that sometimes this goes a bit unpunished in a way for some media reports.
“I can just tell you that obviously it concerns me that people can get away with that kind of stuff without [consequences] or anything like that.”
Looking beyond 2025, Sainz also pondered the implications of new regulations set to take effect in 2026, which he likened to a “lottery.”
The uncertainty surrounding the changes makes it difficult to predict which teams will adapt successfully.
Sainz emphasized, “For me, 2025 is equally important to 2026.
READ: George Russell Sees Lewis Hamilton’s Departure as a ‘Fresh Start’ for Mercedes
“Why? Because I think 2026 is a lottery.
“So, I could go somewhere to any of the options that I have on top of the table and be successful or not. And even one of the top teams could nail it or not.”
With the clock ticking towards the next season, Sainz’s decision remains a closely watched aspect of the F1 landscape, as he carefully considers his options in a rapidly evolving sport.