Sainz gives an update on his hunt for a 2025 F1 contract
F1 News
Carlos Sainz reports that things are "not moving too quickly" in his search for the 2025 Formula 1 contract. Sainz tentatively provided a short update ahead of the Imola Grand Prix this weekend. Around 75% of the 2024 season remains, but silly season is well underway as seats are starting to fill up elsewhere for 2025.
At the moment, Sainz is driving for Ferrari. He is one of the few drivers to have won a race during the current season and was the only non-Red Bull driver to win in 2023. His victory last year came at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix when Max Verstappen and Red Bull missed the mark. He reports that his current situation with Ferrari can't get any better with an Italian race weekend looming.
"It cannot get any better! A Ferrari driver in Imola with hopefully a bit of a step coming in the car this weekend. Life's good. I can't complain," Sainz said, who will leave the Italian team at the end of the 2024 season because of Lewis Hamilton's arrival.
Is there an update on Sainz's 2025 contract?
Audi (currently Sauber) are said to be interested in securing Sainz for 2025. Audi will take over the project in 2026 but reportedly wants to secure the same driver line-up in 2025 to ease the transition. Mercedes also have a seat available. Earlier in the year, there was talk about at least one seat opening up at Red Bull, but it currently seems like Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will stay.
Recently, Albon secured his future with Williams. But Sainz cannot report any positive news himself on his current contract situation. "When I have [an update], you'll know," Sainz said in response to a question about his contract. When asked if it's a long way off, Sainz replied: "I think so. Yeah, it's not moving too quick".