Has Carlos Sainz made progress in resolving his future in F1?
Carlos Sainz is playing a “dangerous game of poker” with Audi reportedly giving him until Monaco to commit but he wants to wait on Max Verstappen’s Mercedes decision.
Sainz was released by Ferrari even prior to the commencement of this season, leading to speculation that he would secure a spot at Sauber, which is set to be renamed Audi in 2026.
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But with Lewis Hamilton off to Ferrari, thus leaving a seat open at Mercedes, the Spaniard is said to risking it all on the possibility of joining George Russell at the Brackley squad.
Respected Spanish journalist Antonio Lobato went on social media to assert that Sainz intentionally missed a deadline with Audi to pursue a seat that offers more competitiveness.
Sainz denied this, telling the media in Miami: “No, that’s not correct. There’s no truth about it. As I’ve said before, there are certain things that don’t depend fully on myself and there’s going to be some waiting to be done.”
One of those ‘things’, claims F1-Insider.com, is Max Verstappen.
Toto Wolff’s public pursuit of the Red Bull driver may not result in him joining Mercedes for the upcoming season. However, there is a possibility that he might consider the move in 2026, which is causing a delay for Sainz.
According to F1-Insider, Wolff’s offer to him is essentially a one-year contract as it is only for the period after 2025.
“If Max Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull unexpectedly or if junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is prepared for Mercedes by 2026, the Stuttgart team aims to retain their flexibility.”
Sainz faces the decision of choosing either a single assured season at Mercedes or securing a long-term future with Audi.
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Audi, though, won’t wait forever.
Having already announced Nico Hulkenberg as one of Stake’s 2025 drivers, the team will reportedly say goodbye to Valtteri Bottas while Zhou Guanyu’s spot will be determined by Sainz’s decision.
The deadline for the Spaniard to make the call is Monaco.
The German publication claims that Sainz is running out of time to continue his risky poker game. Audi expects a response from him by the Monaco GP in two and a half weeks, at the latest.
If not, the inhabitants of Ingolstadt will seek out another option, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, both French Alpine pilots, being considered as potential alternatives.
“If Sainz opts for Mercedes, there is a possibility that he may find himself without a contract once again in 2026, as Verstappen or Antonelli may arrive and the opportunity at Audi may no longer be available.”
According to the publication, it is stated that Sergio Perez will continue to be a part of Red Bull in 2025 as the “door is closed” for any changes.
Carlos Sainz Snr, the father of Sainz, stated that although there is much speculation currently, there is no news or updates to share as of now.
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