A leading insider hints that Carlos Sainz is on the brink of revealing his next big move in Formula One.
Carlos Sainz is gearing up for a major shift in his Formula One career as he prepares to leave Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, making way for Lewis Hamilton. Despite knowing he won’t have a seat with Ferrari for 2025, Sainz has been impressive this season, securing four podium finishes in the first eight races, including a victory in Australia.
With such a strong start, it’s no surprise that the 29-year-old is attracting attention from several top teams. Rumors are swirling about potential moves to Mercedes, Red Bull, or even Audi, which is set to join the sport in 2026. However, the latest buzz suggests that Sainz might have already found his next home.
Channel 4 presenter Steve Jones recently claimed that Sainz is “locked in” with Williams for 2025, as the Grove-based team looks to the future. Renowned F1 journalist Joe Saward added weight to this speculation, reporting that Williams is set to offer Sainz a two-year contract, with an announcement possibly coming at his home Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya.
In his blog post following the Monaco race, Saward noted, “The driver market was much discussed in the Monaco paddock as it becomes clear that neither Mercedes nor Red Bull is going to sign Carlos Sainz. Mercedes is focusing on Kimi Antonelli, and Red Bull will keep Sergio Perez, who complements Max Verstappen without causing disruptions.”
Saward also mentioned that while a potential crash could inadvertently help Ferrari close the gap in the Constructors’ Championship and improve Sainz’s chances with Red Bull, this scenario remains unlikely. Audi is another option, but industry insiders believe their program may struggle to be competitive due to internal corporate politics and the current state of the Sauber team.
As the F1 world eagerly awaits official confirmation, all eyes are on Sainz and his next move, which promises to be a pivotal moment in his racing career.
As Carlos Sainz prepares to depart Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, speculation intensifies over his next move. With top teams like Mercedes and Red Bull seemingly out of the picture, Sainz’s most strategic choice appears to be Williams.
F1 insider Joe Saward suggests that Williams offers Sainz a compelling package, matching Audi’s pay while providing a more promising short-term outlook. The team is on an upward trajectory, albeit slower than desired, and is set to use Mercedes engines from 2026, positioning them as strong contenders.
Saward points out, “Williams can offer Carlos a two-year deal through 2026, with the potential for extension once the new generation engines prove their capabilities. Given the circumstances, it’s hard to see why Sainz wouldn’t accept such an offer.”