Current Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz confirmed his impending departure from the Italian team at the end of the season, sparking speculation about his next move within Formula One. Speaking on his professional future, Sainz confirmed his commitment to remaining in a competitive team in F1 rather than exploring a sabbatical.
Amidst swirling rumors, the connection between Sainz and Audi has intensified following the announcement that former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto would join Audi’s F1 project as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer. Sainz praised Binotto’s transition, recognizing the substantial expertise he brings to the team, which could dramatically help Audi as it enters the sport.
“I’m not up to date with everything that is going on at every team, but of course, I think the arrival of Mattia to any team is positive, mainly because he has the experience of what it takes to build a team that is a top team nowadays,” Sainz said. “And he has that experience from Ferrari that he can bring into Audi. And I’m sure he’s a great asset for them. And that’s why they hired him.”
While Sainz is still contemplating an offer from Audi, there are various teams that could influence his decision, like Mercedes.
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“The offer is still being discussed and obviously analysed very carefully and there’s changes to a lot of teams that I’m looking at for next year pretty much every week,” he continued. “My best option for next year would be a championship-winning car, which has been my number one priority since these talks about my future have happened.”
Asserting his fervor for Formula One and ruling out a sabbatical, Sainz expressed his readiness to contribute to a midfield team if top-tier opportunities do not arise.
“Absolutely no, sabbatical is not even in my head. I’m happy in Formula One, I love Formula One and I would rather go down to a midfield team and use my skill, in the peak of my career, to try and help a midfield team to find the right way than taking a year off or being third driver for anyone,” Sainz articulated passionately. “I’m competitive and I know I can still bring to a midfield team that side of me.”
Regarding the timing of his decision, Sainz admitted the uncertainty: “I don’t know if [the decision] is going to be before or after the summer break.”
With his replacement at Ferrari by the illustrious Lewis Hamilton already public, Sainz’s future has become a primary focus for fans. But the question is: has the driver left it too late?
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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