Carlos Sainz admits he can’t rule out driving for one F1 team in the future

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Carlos Sainz Jr. has refused to rule out a return to Ferrari in the future despite Frederic Vasseur letting him go at the end of the 2024 season.

The 29-year-old Spaniard delivered a statement drive in Bahrain, finishing ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc and his replacement Lewis Hamilton.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Sainz was asked about whether he could rule out driving for Ferrari again in the future and gave a fascinating answer.

Sainz refuses to rule out Ferrari return

The biggest story of the winter break in Formula 1 appeared to be great news for many but not for Carlos Sainz.

The two-time winner discovered that his contract would not be renewed past 2024 so that Hamilton could join Leclerc at Ferrari.

If this isn’t the perfect motivator for the 29-year-old then nothing will be as he discovered he had 24 races to save his Formula 1 career.

There are plenty of teams already interested in his services, with Audi’s introduction to F1 in 2026 a fascinating option, while Williams are understood to be big admirers.

However, Sainz has refused to rule out a return to Ferrari in the future if the opportunity arises.

The iconic manufacturer has an incredible draw despite not winning a title in F1 for more than 15 years.

It would also make very little sense for Sainz to burn any bridges when he still has to work with the team for the rest of the year.

Sainz next destination set to play huge role in F1 driver market

Martin Brundle asked Sainz: “And there’s nothing to say you won’t return to Ferrari at some point?”

Sainz replied: “Exactly, I am a big fan of not closing any doors for the future.

“Yes, I’m not going to be driving for Ferrari in 2025 onwards, who knows maybe still 10 years ahead in my career what could happen in the future.”

While it’s hard to envisage a return to Ferrari for Sainz right now, it might not be the craziest suggestion.

Lewis Hamilton may have a few years ahead of him with the team, but he’ll be 40 by the time he first takes to the track in red.

When he eventually ends his time with the team, they’ll need to find a new teammate for Charles Leclerc and Sainz has already proven he works well with the Monegasque driver.

Sainz has a huge decision ahead of him to decide on his next team and that will end up defining his F1 career.

The wrong choice could see him drift to the back of the pack, but a correct decision might see him finally adding to his two race wins.

Sainz has started the season in the best way possible, finishing ahead of his teammate and taking a much-deserved podium.

The more pressure he can put on Leclerc and the more points he can more, the better his options for 2025 will be.