Carlos Sainz used media day in Canada to clarify all of the rumours and set the record straight regarding his future in Formula 1 as the Canadian Grand Prix approaches this weekend. The Ferrari driver shared insights as he navigates his future in the sport.
After Sergio Perez made his decision to stay at Red Bull for two more years on Tuesday, six teams remain open with a seat or seats available. As of June 6th, 2024, Mercedes, Williams, Sauber, Alpine F1 Team, Haas, and Aston Martin.
Carlos Sainz wasted no time in addressing the numerous rumors that have been circulating about his next move.
On Thursday, a Spanish website had claimed he had agreed a deal with Williams already. His options seem to be between the Grove-based team or Sauber/Audi.
“I’ve seen reports in the media, I don’t know if it’s in Spain, or people saying I’ve signed,” he stated. “I remember seeing reports three months ago that I had signed for Mercedes, reports that I had signed for Red Bull. Now, obviously, those places are not going to happen.
“So it’s funny now seeing people say I’ve signed for Williams.
“It makes me laugh but sometimes this goes a bit unpunished in a way for some media persons. And I’m not talking about you guys, because you guys are deep down within Formula 1 and you know when something’s been signed or not.
“I can just tell you that it concerns me that people can get away with that kind of stuff without being banned, or anything like that.
“Apart from that, whenever I have something to say, or something to announce, you guys will be the first ones to know, and I’ll be here, openly talking about it, and about my future. I’ll put everything into perspective.
Sainz stressed the value of committing to a team for the long term rather than going to a team for a short time and then leaving after a year or two.
“I’m still a firm believer that in Formula One, to be successful, you need a medium to long-term project,” he explained. “I don’t think you are ever going to be successful in Formula One, to go one year somewhere to win, and then leave.”
This philosophy supports his approach to evaluating future opportunities, looking at how a team can grow and compete over several seasons rather than seeking immediate, short-term success.
One of the critical factors in Sainz’s decision-making process is the anticipated regulatory changes coming in 2026.
“I think 2026 is going to be a lottery,” he remarked. “I think you guys have seen the regs today. When I had a look, it looks impossible for me to predict who’s going to be competitive.”
This uncertainty means that while 2025 may appear more predictable as the top four teams have a clear gap to the rest right now, 2026 holds unknown variables that could dramatically shift which cars will remain competitive.
“I know right now, you guys see it maybe with a bit of a dramatic perspective, not being in a competitive car for 25 or 26, but I think 26 is going to be such a turnaround, that maybe the future holds something really positive out there for me.”
The Spaniard clarified that he doesn’t see 2025 as a stepping stone to 2026 but as an equally significant season in his career.
“2025 is equally important to 2026,” he insisted. “Why? Because I think 2026 is a lottery, so I could go somewhere and any of the options that I have on top of the table and be successful or not, and even one of the top teams could nail it or not.” This approach highlights the importance of carefully weighing the possible influence of each season and not dismissing any year.
As the 3-time Grand Prix winner continues to weigh up his options, he remains focused on finding the right fit for a sustained and successful future in Formula 1. “For me, 2025 is equally important to 2026 or 2027,” he reiterated, emphasizing his commitment to making a well-informed decision.
Both the fans and the media will have to wait for the official announcement, but one thing is clear: Sainz is planning his path forward, balancing the immediate opportunities with the long-term potential in the world of Formula 1.
As he put it, “Whenever I have something to say, or something to announce, you guys will be the first ones to know.”
Until then, the rumours will continue, but Sainz remains in control of his next move.
