The 29-year-old Spanish driver informed journalists before his home Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona that he no longer wishes to postpone his decision. “I believe it has reached a point where it has occupied my mind for several weeks and months,” stated Sainz. “Clearly, it is time to come to a conclusion, and that conclusion will be reached soon. I hope we have some news to discuss in the near future,” Sainz added.
Sainz has been strongly linked to Sauber, a Swiss-based team that will become Audi’s factory team until 2026, as well as former champions Williams. Red Bull and Mercedes have already ruled out the possibility, while his former team, McLaren, has no available positions. Sauber and Williams have expressed interest in hiring Sainz, but determining his competitiveness in the coming years, especially in 2026 when there will be significant changes in engine and chassis regulations, is a challenging task.
“I haven’t made a decision yet,” Sainz admitted. “It is still a topic under discussion with my team, and we are thinking about it. Obviously, I need a few days at home to think about it. With the drastic changes in regulations, it’s like a lottery or a coin toss to determine who will be faster in 2026.”
Sainz’s decision is also crucial for the overall driver market, known as the Formula 1 “Silly Season,” as other drivers are waiting to see where he ends up. “Carlos is the deciding factor,” commented Kevin Magnussen from Haas, who is also expected to change teams at the end of the year. “Many guys are waiting for him to make a decision. Once he does, all the other pieces of the puzzle will fall into place. That’s the reality of the situation.”
A Sauber, which will become Audi in 2026, has already confirmed Nico Hulkenberg from Haas as one of its drivers, while Williams has secured Alex Albon on a multi-year contract. Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas and China’s Zhou Guanyu may be looking for new seats, and it is unlikely that American Logan Sargeant will keep his position at Williams. Additionally, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon also needs a new team and is awaiting Sainz’s decision after Renault-owned Alpine announced its departure.
