According to Carlos Sainz, every team with an available seat has extended a contract offer to him for F1 2025.
Carlos Sainz has said in no uncertain terms that he will not be taking a sabbatical next season as he continues to nail down his next move in Formula 1.
With confirmation that Esteban Ocon will join Haas, there are now just five seats for Sainz to choose from in 2025 but he appears no closer to choosing one.
Carlos Sainz rules out sabbatical as search for 2025 seat goes on
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Since the announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in February, Sainz has been considering his future. However, even after five months, the Spaniard has not yet signed any agreement.
During this period, his choices have dwindled as now half of the positions for 2025 have been filled. Nevertheless, the idea of taking a year off is something the 29-year-old has not contemplated.
He firmly stated to the media, including PlanetF1.com, during Thursday’s FIA press conference at Spa, that taking a sabbatical was completely out of consideration for him.
“I find immense joy in Formula 1 and have a deep passion for it. Instead of taking a break or settling for a third driver position, I would willingly join a midfield team during the prime of my career. My aim would be to contribute my skills and assist the team in finding their path to success.”
“I possess a competitive nature and I am confident that I can contribute that aspect to any midfield team.”
One of the options most linked to Sainz is a move to Sauber ahead of Audi’s arrival and the appointment of Sainz’s former boss Mattia Binotto could be seen as another plus point for the current Ferrari driver.
Sainz stated that Binotto’s arrival had not influenced his decision in any way.
He said that his future is currently under discussion and careful analysis, with frequent changes occurring in the teams he is considering for next year.
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“There are constant changes happening in both the team market and the driver market. I will take my time to carefully analyze all these evolving factors before making a decision, without revealing too many hints.”
Sainz emphasized the advantages of having an experienced member like Binotto in Audi, mentioning that it would be beneficial for any team.
“I may not be fully informed about the current happenings at Audi, but I believe that Mattia’s arrival to any team is undoubtedly a positive development. His experience in team-building brings immense value.”
“He possesses the valuable experience gained from his time at Ferrari, which he can now apply to Audi. Undoubtedly, he is a significant addition to their team, and that is precisely why they chose to hire him.”
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