Alexander KnightCarlos Sainz’s discussions for a Ferrari contract extension were disrupted by the news of Lewis Hamilton replacing him in 2025. Despite earlier progress, Sainz now faces an uncertain future in Formula 1.
Carlos Sainz revealed that discussions about extending his contract with Ferrari in Formula 1 were “on the right track” until it was announced that Lewis Hamilton would replace him in 2025.
Earlier this month, Ferrari announced it had signed a multi-year contract with Hamilton starting in 2025, with Charles Leclerc by his side, who had already secured a long-term deal.
This means that Sainz, who last year expressed he could consider ending his F1 career at Ferrari, finds himself without a seat beyond the current season’s end.
The Spaniard disclosed today in Sakhir that talks about a renewal were progressing until Ferrari decided to bring Hamilton over from Mercedes.
“Interestingly, my future was decided before the first race, and I will not continue with Ferrari.”
“Obviously, as I said, it came unexpectedly, and I was looking forward to signing a new contract with them, and everything seemed to be on track in that direction, but in the end, it didn’t happen, as you know.”
“And obviously, the situation has completely changed from what I thought it was going to be in October, November last year. Now the situation is completely different.”
According to Sainz, things definitely sped up between Hamilton and Ferrari in December and then January.
“I’ve had much less news in the last two months,” he admits.
Sainz is linked to Audi F1 for 2026 but insists he will take his time to evaluate available options.
“I’m essentially a free agent for 2025, and I have no idea yet who I will be racing with.”
“So I need to take my time to decide, as I’ve already said, look at all the available options, and try to choose the best option for me, not just for 2025 but what is the best option for me for the next three or four years. I will do my best to put together a winning project in F1 and see who gives me the best chance.”
“I suppose for all drivers whose contracts are expiring, you look at all the options, have some discussions with all the teams, and see how other structures and teams are progressing and where they stand for sure, and then you’ll probably decide later in the year.”
“But for now, winter testing is obviously a priority, it’s three days, the only three days of testing we have. So if your head is elsewhere, you’re wasting time. And then we’ll have all the time to sit down and decide.”
Sainz’s Final Season With Ferrari Loyalty
Sainz emphasized that he was told he had the full support of the team as he prepared to finish his fourth and final season in Ferrari colors before his departure.
“Emotionally, to be honest, there’s not much yet because there are 24 races ahead of us, and I suppose the last races or the last race will be emotional, especially because I will be leaving behind a great group of people.”
“I’ve met some wonderful people at Ferrari and also a lot of fans around the world who made me feel at home right from the start, so we’ll leave this emotional part more towards the end of the year. Until then, it’s obviously ‘heads down,’ and I’m trying to do the best job possible for this team for the coming year.”
“I know from Fred [Vasseur] and the company that they’re going to give me their full support and that if we’re in a fight for the championship this year, we’ll do everything we can to achieve it together and have a great last year together.”
“I hope I have many years ahead of me in my career. So let’s see where the future takes me.”
Sainz’s Ferrari Future Shaken by Hamilton’s 2025 Move. Sainz’s Ferrari Future Shaken by Hamilton’s 2025 Move
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