Carlos Sainz open to other F1 options despite his father’s advice
The 2024 season did not bring good news for Carlos Sainz. As the Spaniard prepared for the season, he learned that it would be his last season in the sport unless he managed to find a team for the 2025 season. Following the news of Lewis Hamilton taking over his position, the driver was left disappointed and without a seat after the 2024 season.
Sainz’s 2023 season with Ferrari was incredible and consistent compared to Charles Leclerc’s impatient but successful season. However, the Spaniard was the only driver who managed to win the race for the Monza team and prove his dominance as the Prancing Horse team never leaves the Ferrari name. Still, it took him a while to prove that he was worthy of a seat.
Carlos Sainz ignored his rally-winning father’s advice
Carlos Sainz joined Ferrari after his tenure with McLaren ended. However, his stay at Ferrari was not as famous as that of his teammates. While Leclerc was given the privilege of signing another contract with a multi-year deal, Sainz was given the nod after setting his hopes high for a contract extension.
With Lewis Hamilton’s sudden departure to Ferrari and Sainz leaving the sport until he finds a replacement until the end of 2024, the Spaniard plans to look around. Earlier this year, four-time Dakar Rally winner Sainz Sr. advised his son to wait for Audi to join the sport in 2026 and take the chance to become the first Audi driver in Formula 1.
| Carlos Sainz will be active in the driver market this year.
Sauber/Audi’s interest is well established, but the Spaniard will explore other options.
[@formu1a__uno] pic.twitter.com/v8A0klUUXV
– FormulaRacers (@formularacers_) 5 February 2024
Nevertheless, it seems the Ferrari race-winner has different plans up his sleeve with his frustration of not having to sit out the 2025 season. He is said to be active in this year’s driver market, and is also set to become the first Audi driver in F1. His father, Sainz senior, who achieved great success at the Dakar with Audi at the age of 61, has something to do with his son.
However, Sainz remaining at Ferrari until 2025 would have been great for the Spaniard and his career with Audi. Teams will look at his performances in recent years, and while him being the only non-Red Bull race winner could do wonders for him to clinch a seat, it is only a matter of time until he can consider the 2026 season. One season away.
Carlos Sainz talks about his mindset for the 2024 season
The Spaniard ended his 2024 season on a high note after making great progress with the team. The race-winner went on to win the race, managing to hold off both the Mercedes and Lando Norris in the McLaren. Nevertheless, his team has no plans to retain him beyond the 2024 season and has already found a replacement to help the Monza team lead another championship win.
However, the sudden news of Hamilton joining Maranello shocked Sainz but gave him enough time to get his mindset back for the year. He said that although the sudden news is not the best thing to start the year, “As soon as I put on my helmet and hit the track, you can be sure that I will only be thinking about going as fast as I can. And if there is a chance to become world champion, I will try to take it.
| Carlos Sainz on his mentality this year:
“If there’s a chance to become world champion, I’ll try to take it…
“I know good things will happen in the future.”https://t.co/p6eQKvkvNy
– FormulaRacers (@formularacers_) 9 February 2024
While he is looking for more options to get hot during the 2025 season and Audi is saving him for the 2026 season, the driver is determined to achieve something this season and put a stain on the face of the Monza team .