Sainz uncertain about 2025 F1 move amid Audi rumors

Sainz considers future options as Ferrari departure approaches.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz remains undecided about his future in Formula One after the season. However, he confirmed his commitment to remain in the sport. Speculation has arisen following the announcement that former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will join Audi's F1 project as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer. Many are wondering if the Spanish driver might follow suit.

"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 told reporters. "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."

Sainz, who will be replaced at Ferrari by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has received an offer from Audi but has yet to make a final decision. "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," Sainz said. "So there's changes, evolution, and decision to analyse all these things that keep changing without giving you too many clues."

Joining Swiss-based Sauber, which will become the factory Audi team in 2026, seemed increasingly unlikely given their current form this season—Sauber is the only team yet to score a point. Sainz, however, is focused on his primary goal of driving a championship-winning car. "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," Sainz said. "And the likelihood of that, we all know that is small, but that's always been my target. And if that doesn't happen, I'll choose what's best for my near future, for sure."

Sainz has categorically ruled out taking a sabbatical if the right offer does not come along. "Absolutely no, sabbatical is not even in my head," he stated. "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."

He remains competitive and confident in his abilities to contribute meaningfully to any team. "I'm competitive and I know I can still bring to a midfield team that side of me," he added. "I don't know if [the decision] is going to be before or after the summer break."

As Formula One fans eagerly await Sainz's decision, his focus remains on his performance in the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix this weekend.

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