Drivers’ movements can often resemble a game of musical chairs in world of Formula One. At the moment, the focus is on Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who is at a crossroads in his career.
The extension of Sergio Pérez’s contract at Red Bull leaves Sainz with two viable options for the 2025 season – Sauber/Audi or Williams. The decision, experts suggest, could be a short-term, strategic one.
Red Bull’s missed opportunity
For Carlos Sainz, the extension of Sergio Pérez’s contract at Red Bull has removed what was probably the most attractive seat on the grid. This development narrows down Sainz’s immediate options to two teams: Sauber/Audi and Williams.
The Sauber/Audi offer has been a standing one for the 29-year-old Spaniard, but he has been reluctant to sign on the dotted line. This hesitation is seen by many as an indication that he is hoping for a better opportunity.
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Impressive start to the season
Sainz has been in remarkable form since the start of the 2024 season. His third-place finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix set the tone for his most successful season to date. This early podium was a clear indication of his improved performance and the improvements Ferrari have made to their car.
Sainz’s prowess was particularly evident at the Australian Grand Prix, where he took a commanding victory in front of the Aussie fans. This victory was not only a personal triumph, but also a statement about his ability as a driver to handle immense pressure and deliver when it matters most. His performance in Australia highlighted his improved racing skills and strategic acumen, essential factors in his success in 2024.
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Outperforming Leclerc early season
Sainz certainly had the upper hand of team mate Charles Leclerc this season up until the Chinese Grand Prix where his Monagasque Ferrari stablemate has come into form and has typically finished ahead.
But early in the 2024 season, Sainz consistently outperformed teammate Charles Leclerc. Historically, Leclerc has been seen as Ferrari’s leading driver, but this year Sainz has turned that perception on its head and has on occasion also demonstrated superior qualifying performance.
A key component of Sainz’s successful season has been his consistency. Unlike previous years, when he occasionally struggled with reliability issues or strategic missteps, in 2024 Sainz has finished in the points in almost every race. His ability to consistently bring the car home in strong positions has been a key factor in his championship challenge.
Ferrari’s 2024 car has seen significant improvements, particularly in terms of aerodynamics and power unit performance. Sainz has been quick to adapt to these changes, getting the most out of the car. His technical feedback has also been instrumental in Ferrari’s development process, helping the team to make iterative improvements throughout the season.
Certainly this season has shown that what options are left for Carlos Sainz appear to be somewhat ‘beneath’ the Spanish Ferrari driver.
Formula 1 insider on Sainz’s tilt towards Williams
Sky Sports reporter David Croft is among those who believe Sainz is eyeing a move to Williams. According to Croft, Sainz is likely to see Williams as a more stable and predictable option compared to the uncertainty surrounding the Audi project.
“I think he’ll go to Williams,” said Croft, emphasising the security that comes with joining a team where expectations and future plans are clearly defined.
Sky Sports commentator Simon Lazenby echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of current performance levels in Sainz’s decision-making process.
“At the moment, Williams’ performance is an argument in their favour. You only have to look at where Sauber are at the moment,” said Lazenby, alluding to the less-than-stellar season enjoyed by the team that is to be taken over by Audi.
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The Williams advantage
A significant advantage for Williams in the race to secure Sainz’s signature is the potential for a short-term contract. Such a deal could be extremely attractive in a rapidly changing driver market. The precarious situation at Red Bull adds another layer to this scenario. Uncertainty looms over Max Verstappen’s long-term commitment to the team, and Pérez’s new contract reportedly includes a “performance clause” that could lead to an early termination if the Mexican driver fails to meet expectations.
This uncertain environment at Red Bull means that while the door appears closed for Sainz at the moment, it could reopen in the near future. This possibility makes a short-term stint at Williams an enticing prospect for Sainz, allowing him to remain competitive while keeping an eye on future opportunities at Red Bull.
It’s a strategic move that would put him in an advantageous position should a seat at the top team become available.
Other F1 pundits such as Ralf Schumacher for Sky Sports Germany thinks Williams isn’t the way forward.
Schumacher’s strong recommendation for Audi
Audi’s managing director Andreas Seidl has been particularly keen and is said to have made the Spanish driver a lucrative offer.
Despite the considerations of flexibility, Ralf Schumacher has spoken out strongly against the potential move. In a candid video interview on the Formel1.de YouTube channel, the ex-driver for Williams made his stance clear: “I would first prefer the one who wants me 100 per cent.”
This statement underlines Schumacher’s belief that a firm commitment from Audi, a team clearly keen to secure Sainz’s talents, would be the better choice.
While Williams team principal James Vowles has shown an interest in Sainz, Schumacher argues that Sauber, under Seidl’s leadership, have persistently courted Sainz and made him their top priority. This long-standing interest, coupled with Seidl’s previous association with Sainz at McLaren, adds weight to Audi’s offer.
Aside from performance issues, Schumacher also expressed concerns about the environment at Williams. He questioned whether Sainz would be happy there and suggested that Audi, with its links to Sainz’s family, might offer a more suitable environment.
“I think in the long term he would have a better choice or a better chance at Audi because of his father’s connections with the company,” he said.
In the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of Formula One, Carlos Sainz’s next move is the subject of intense speculation. With the Red Bull option temporarily off the table, his decision now seems to hinge on a solid, if less glamorous, position with Williams or a leap into the uncertain but potentially rewarding future with Sauber/Audi.
As the season progresses, Sainz’s decision will undoubtedly shape the grid landscape for 2025 and beyond.
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