Carlos Sainz remains uncertain about his future destination in Formula 1.
Carlos Sainz has been in the F1 news headlines on Wednesday, with his future still up in the air beyond the end of the 2024 season.
Let’s delve into Wednesday’s headlines, as the confirmation of Sergio Perez continuing at Red Bull leaves us wondering about where he will go next. This missing puzzle piece is crucial in shaping the upcoming year.
F1 news: Could Williams land Carlos Sainz next year?
After discussions with Carlos Sainz’s team, Sky Sports F1’s lead commentator David Croft has identified Williams and Audi as the top contenders. Croft anticipates that the Grove-based team will come out on top in the negotiation process.
Croft expressed his personal belief on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, stating that he sincerely thinks Carlos Sainz will join Williams. He believes Sainz is inclined towards Williams because he can foresee the opportunities that lie ahead for him with the team.
At present, the Audi vision may not be fully evident as there is limited information available. It is worth noting that Audi has not yet assumed control at Sauber; they are solely focused on constructing power units.
“If James Vowles manages to secure him, kudos to James Vowles. I previously commended him as my team principal of the year, and now I might have to consider him for the shortlist in 2024 as well. It would be a significant achievement and a fantastic driver duo that can propel the team to success for years to come.”
Read more: Williams tipped to land ‘major coup’ as Carlos Sainz camp information comes to light
Christian Horner ‘clear winner’ at Red Bull after new Perez deal
Christian Horner took over the negotiations between Carlos Sainz and Red Bull from Helmut Marko, as reported by Craig Slater of Sky Sports. This change occurred before the announcement that Sergio Perez had renewed his contract with the team.
“He stated that it was intriguing that Sainz’s negotiators shifted their communication from Dr. Helmut Marko to Christian Horner himself.”
“Could this potentially be a sign that Christian Horner has emerged as the clear winner in an internal power struggle at Red Bull?”
“It is clear that Christian Horner made the choice, considering Checo Perez’s unwavering loyalty to him during his early year struggles.”
Perhaps, if Dr. Marko had possessed the deciding vote, someone different could have occupied the seat across from Verstappen. The outcome remains uncertain. However, continuity prevails.
Read more: Carlos Sainz and Red Bull plot twist emerges with Christian Horner ‘clear winner’
Rest in peace, Parnelli Jones
Parnelli Jones, a renowned American racing legend and former Formula 1 team owner, has sadly departed at the age of 90.
Not only was Jones the first driver to achieve an average four-lap speed of over 150mph in qualifying for the Indianapolis 500, but his legacy also extends to his tenure as a team owner in Formula 1, and numerous other accomplishments.
Elizabeth Blackstock, our US Editor, has reflected upon her life and career.
Read more: Remembering Parnelli Jones: The F1 team owner and US racing icon who made huge impact
Several countries wanting to join F1 calendar
Both South Korea and Thailand are actively seeking to join or rejoin the Formula 1 calendar in the future, according to Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei. Additionally, Indonesia has previously expressed interest in becoming a part of the prestigious racing event.
During his appearance on the Beyond the Grid podcast, he informed Tom Clarkson that despite making significant progress, the deal with South Africa fell through. Despite our inability to finalize the agreement and make it successful, we remain committed to exploring other opportunities.
There is significant demand in different regions, particularly Southeast Asia, with South Korea and Thailand leading the way. Indonesia has also shown interest at different points in time.
Read more: The multiple countries making a ‘big push’ to join F1’s ‘strained’ calendar
Set your watches if you enjoy reading regulations!
The eagerly awaited F1 2026 regulations are set to be revealed on Thursday afternoon in Europe. The FIA has confirmed that the official unveiling will take place at 3.30pm CEST [2.30pm UK].
The FIA and Formula 1 are embarking on a significant milestone, as they undergo a major transformation in the chassis and power unit regulations. These regulations will shape the appearance and sound of the cars in the years ahead.
Read more: FIA confirm reveal date of highly-anticipated F1 2026 regulations
