Sainz is set to depart Maranello at the end of the season to make room for Lewis Hamilton, as rumors swirl that former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will assume the role of Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Audi’s F1 project. This development has sparked speculation that the Spanish driver may also follow suit.
During a press conference at Spa-Francochamps on Thursday, Sainz expressed his thoughts on Binotto’s potential move to another team. He believes that Binotto’s arrival would be a positive development for any team, as his experience in building a top-tier team at Ferrari could be invaluable to Audi. Sainz sees Binotto as a valuable asset to the team.
While Sainz has received an offer from Audi, no decision has been made yet. He revealed that discussions regarding the offer are still ongoing, and he is carefully analyzing the situation. Sainz acknowledges the constant changes and developments within various teams, making it difficult to come to a definitive conclusion.
Although joining Sauber, which will become Audi’s factory team in 2026, seemed unlikely due to their poor performance this season, Sainz emphasized that his priority is to secure a championship-winning car for next year. He hopes to land a seat in a top-tier team and has been in talks with Mercedes and Red Bull, both of whom have uncertain driver situations. However, Sainz understands the slim chances of this happening and is open to considering other options that will benefit his immediate future.
Sainz made it clear that he has no intention of taking a sabbatical from Formula 1 if he doesn’t receive the right offer. He is content in the sport and would prefer to join a midfield team and utilize his skills to help them progress, rather than sitting out a year or becoming a reserve driver for any team. He believes he is currently at the peak of his career and wants to make the most of it.
When asked about the timeline for his decision, Sainz refused to provide a clear answer. He stated that he cannot disclose when he will make his choice, whether it will be before or after the summer break. Sainz remains uncertain and is not ready to reveal his decision yet.
