Carlos Sainz Jr, from Ferrari, recently expressed amusement at reports in the Spanish media suggesting that he has already signed a contract to join Williams for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Sainz has been considering his options since Ferrari announced that Lewis Hamilton would be joining the team next season. While Sauber, soon to become Audi, had presented a proposal to him, there were hopes that a move to Red Bull was possible. However, those hopes faded when it was announced that Sergio Perez would retain his seat. Sainz admitted that he already knew in advance that a return to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen was not feasible. He stated: “I already knew this for some time, so it’s not news. Nothing to add. There are still several options on the table and we will see how things go.”
In addition to discussions with Sauber/Audi, Sainz has also been in talks with Williams boss James Vowles about the possibility of joining the team alongside Alex Albon. However, despite claims in the Spanish media that he has already signed with Williams, Sainz denied having made a final decision about his post-2024 move. He clarified: “The only thing I can say is that nothing has been finalized. I saw articles in the media saying that I had signed. That makes me laugh, months ago they were saying I had signed with Mercedes or Red Bull, and now obviously that’s not going to happen. Now people are saying I signed with Williams and I laugh. Because then why is it not punished. I’m not referring to the journalists who are here, who are inside F1 and know when something has been signed. But I worry that people can get away with this kind of thing. When I have something to announce, you will be the first to know and I will speak openly.”
Despite the possibility of Mercedes promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton, Sainz remains confident in his future prospects. He stated: “I can say that all the options I have on the table are good. I am happy and proud to be able to choose my future in F1, I think not many drivers have the opportunity to choose where they will race in the next two or three years. Whoever I have talked to, I feel loved and that makes me positive for the future.”
