Sainz Spurns Sabbatical Eyes F1 Future

Carlos Sainz dismisses a sabbatical and sees little chance of joining Red Bull or Mercedes in the upcoming F1 season.

Carlos Sainz has conceded that his hope to secure a seat with a Formula 1 title-contending team next season is unlikely, but he has dismissed the idea of taking a sabbatical.

Sainz’s prospects beyond the current season have dominated the F1 driver market since it was announced that Lewis Hamilton would take his seat at Ferrari in 2025.

The Spaniard stated he would not rush his decision as he continues to evaluate firm offers from Alpine, Sauber/Audi, and Williams.

However, Sainz could have also eyed the Mercedes F1 seat as well as that of Sergio Perez. Indeed, a scenario could have seen Perez finish the season or be replaced by Ricciardo for the end of 2024 before Sainz arrives.

This seems unlikely according to him, when questioned at Spa.

“My best option for next year would be a car capable of winning the championship, which has been my number one priority since discussions about my future began. And the likelihood of this happening, we all know, is low, but it has always been my goal if a seat were available.”

“It’s not ‘dead’ at this stage but it has become unlikely. And if that’s not the case, if it doesn’t happen, I will choose what’s best for my medium-term future, for sure.”

Nevertheless, Sainz has rejected the notion of taking a sabbatical if his options were limited to lower-ranked teams.

“Absolutely not. A sabbatical is not even in my head.”

“I am happy in Formula 1, I love Formula 1, and I would rather join a mid-field team and use my skills to try and help that team find the right path rather than take a year off or be the third driver for anyone. I am competitive and I know what I can still bring to a mid-field team.”

While the upcoming summer break would be an ideal time to decide on his future, Sainz admitted he couldn’t guarantee a decision would be made during the vacation!

“Do you honestly think I’m going to answer that question? After all this time, am I now going to tell you whether I will decide tomorrow, in five days, or before the summer break? I honestly can’t give you an answer, and I cannot.”

“It’s as simple as that, I don’t know, I don’t know whether it will be before or after the summer break but stay close to your emails for an announcement, who knows! Sorry to spoil your holidays!”

Sainz has had a mixed year in 2024, including losing his seat, missing the Saudi Arabia race due to appendicitis, winning in Australia, and facing rumors about his future alongside a performance decline at Ferrari. Sainz has only achieved two podiums in the nine races since Japan.

“Personally, it’s been a season of highs and lows, starting strongly with a competitive car that allowed me to fight for many podiums. I really appreciate that and hope we can get back to that position as soon as possible.”

“It hasn’t been easy missing a race, especially with all the discussions about my future happening in the background. I’ve said repeatedly that it’s not ideal for an athlete sitting here right now to perform at the highest level of their life without knowing where they will be next year.”

“I believe there’s still potential in me, but given the circumstances, I think I’ve performed at a good level with everything that’s happened.”

“I continue to enjoy and try to be thankful and appreciate the position I’m in. I’m just trying to succeed every weekend and treat each race as if it’s the last, while in the meantime, having to manage everything concerning my future behind the scenes.”