Carlos Sainz is expecting his “direction for 2025” in Formula 1 to be sorted “as soon as possible.”
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Carlos Sainz doesn’t want to “wait any longer” for a decision on which F1 team he will race for in 2025, with the Spaniard hoping for clarity in the coming weeks.
The driver has been considering his options as he prepares to leave Ferrari at the end of this season. His future is believed to be narrowed down to a choice between Williams and Sauber/Audi.
Red Bull and Mercedes have no long-term seats available, with the former retaining Sergio Perez on a ‘1+1’ deal, while Mercedes is expected to promote young prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2026.
Before the Spanish Grand Prix, Kevin Magnussen noted that Sainz had been the “blocker” in the driver market, with Sainz himself earlier stating he didn’t want to drag out the decision over his future.
“The latest is that there will be a decision soon, I don’t want to wait any longer,” said Sainz. “I think it’s time. It’s been a few weeks, if not months, now that this has been on my mind, so it’s time to make a decision.
“I’m not 100% sure yet, still discussing with my team, gathering all the opinions. The next few weeks after Canada are very busy for me, so I haven’t really had time to sit down and make the decision properly. That’s what I aim to do in the next few weeks.”
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Sainz believes it’s “impossible” to base his decision on 2026 prospects, likening such predictions to “scratching a lottery ticket.” He claims that 2025 performance expectations and the teams’ long-term goals will be key factors in his choice.
“Predicting who will be faster in 2026 in 2024 is almost impossible,” he added. “Judging who will be faster in 2026 is like scratching a lottery ticket or flipping a coin because the regulations change so much.
“So, if I can’t predict 2026 and I don’t know who will be better, then 2025 becomes very important. But it’s also about the long-term project, trying to understand the engine development; trying to understand the working atmosphere within the team. All these things play a role in the decision, and that’s why it takes a long time. I need time to gather my thoughts and make the decision from the heart.”
Sainz is regarded as Williams’ preferred choice to partner Alexander Albon, but Audi has also been pursuing the Spanish driver – reportedly offering him an attractive package to join Nico Hülkenberg at the Hinwil-based outfit.
When asked about the prospect of partnering Sainz at Williams, Albon said he had no preference regarding his teammate but acknowledged that an experienced driver like Sainz would be beneficial for the team.
“To be honest, I don’t have too many opinions or worries about who the teammate is. In terms of experience and the overall development of the team, of course, it helps,” Albon explained.
“We’re on this long-term journey, this long-term project, and we need feedback. Looking back at my time at Red Bull, when I joined Williams, I could bring a lot to the team, and I feel like it not only helped my feedback but also helped the performance of the car.
“Whoever comes in, I think they’ll be an experienced driver, especially if we want to fight in the midfield in the coming years, which will be important for us.”
Translation/Chloe
