Carlos Sainz says he will ‘absolutely’ not take one option for 2025 F1 season

Follow us on Google Discover

Carlos Sainz’s future has been a hot topic in recent weeks after the Spaniard has yet to decide on which F1 team he will race for in the 2025 season.

The 29-year-old is currently weighing up his options having been reportedly offered contracts for three teams including Alpine, Williams, and Sauber (Audi).

Sainz’s options were slimmed this week when Haas announced that Esteban Ocon would be joining them from Alpine, while he does not appear to be in contention for the seat at Mercedes who are more focused on either getting Max Verstappen or sticking with Andra Kimi Anthonelli.

With that in mind and limited options to move to a seat where he can win races, it might be wiser for Sainz to consider a career sabbatical. The Spaniard was asked about this in the Belgian Grand Prix press conference.

Could Carlos Sainz take a sabbatical?

It is not uncommon for drivers to take a career sabbatical and return to another, more competitive seat on the grid.

Fernando Alonso recently did this when he left McLaren to race in the World Endurance Championship and win Le Mans with Toyota in 2019, before returning to F1 in 2021 with Alpine.

Mika Häkkinen famously took a sabbatical at the end of the 2001 championship and never came back, while Alan Prost did so after being sacked from Ferrari during the 1992 season.

When asked if he intends to follow suit, Sainz made his intentions about where he wants to go clear.

“Absolutely not. I am happy with Formula One. I’d rather go down to a midfield team and help them find their way. I’m competitive.”

“My best option for next year would be a championship-winning car, which is what has been my number one priority since these talks about my future started. The likelihood of that is small, but that has always been my target. If that doesn’t happen I’ll choose what’s best for my future.”

Carlos Sainz has limited options for F1 future

Alpine has yet to offer a compelling pitch to Sainz despite initially enticing him over their engine talks, having suffered from poor reliability and committing tactical errors in qualifying and races.

Sauber has scored no points thus far with much of the investment from former owner Finn Rausing drying up, it is unlikely to offer a competitive seat in the short term. Although there are uncertainties over Audi’s competitiveness, the arrival of former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto might entice Sainz.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height

Williams appears to be making stagnant progress in the midfield, meaning Sainz would likely be fighting for scraps rather than regular points. Team principal James Vowles has also made his intentions clear that he would like a long-term replacement for Logan Sargeant.

Sainz has proven himself to be a versatile racer having won a Grand Prix straight from having appendicitis this year, while also consistently beating Charles Leclerc. Where he ends up next will be an interesting play on the driver market, as other drivers will also then be able to make decisions on their future.