Sainz ‘not going to lie’ in F1 career admission after Hamilton took Ferrari seat

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Carlos Sainz is ‘not going to lie’ that he faces an ‘important’ phase of his Formula 1 career now the Spaniard has lost his seat at Ferrari to Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.

The Scuderia opted against awarding Sainz a new contract to continue racing in red beyond 2024 to sign Hamilton up. Ferrari were in talks with the 29-year-old about a fresh deal with his terms expiring this year. But a chance to sign a seven-time champion was too appealing.

Hamilton is the most successful driver in Formula 1 history with a record tally of 103 Grand Prix wins, 104 pole positions and 197 podiums. He also matched Michael Schumacher as a seven-time champion in 2020 and could now surpass the German where he won five titles.

Carlos Sainz has several options after losing his Ferrari seat

But Ferrari signing Hamilton after the 39-year-old triggered an escape clause in his contract at Mercedes leaves Sainz without a seat in Formula 1. He moved to Maranello in 2021 after two years at McLaren. Sainz has also driven for Toro Rosso (2015-17) and Renault (2017-18).

Several avenues are now available to Sainz, including potentially replacing Hamilton in 2025 at Mercedes. Red Bull may also look for a new driver with Sergio Perez out of contract after the 2024 season. While Gazzetta dello Sport has listed Sainz as an option for Audi to pursue.

Audi has eyes on the Formula 1 driver market ahead of the German automotive giants taking over Sauber in 2026. The Hinwil, Switzerland outfit – competing as Stake F1 Team over 2024 and 2025 – will become Audi’s works entry when Formula 1 takes new technical regulations.

Additionally, Lawrence Barretto reports that Sainz is also on Williams’ radar to partner Alex Albon in 2025. Williams only gave Logan Sargeant a one-year contract to continue racing in F1 after his rookie year. Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are also in contract years at Sauber.

Carlos Sainz outlines his requirements for a 2025 F1 drive

With seats potentially available elsewhere on the grid in 2025, Sainz will take his time before deciding his next move after losing his drive at Ferrari to Hamilton. But the Madrid-born star also accepts he is entering an important phase of his career before turning 30 in September.

“I’m not going to lie, there are important years ahead of me now,” Sainz has told Sky Sports. “I want to find like I did in Ferrari: a good stability [and] a good environment to work in.

“I’m going to take my time to listen to all the options and pick the best possible option to be happy. But [I must] also be competitive and be winning as soon as possible again.”