Carlos Sainz insists he will take as much time as necessary to make a decision about his future, despite hopes of joining Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 season fading.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton announced earlier this year that he would join Ferrari next season on a multi-year contract, leaving Sainz without a seat for 2025.
Will the Mercedes door close for Carlos Sainz as he prepares for F1 in 2025?
Additional reporting by Sam Cooper and Thomas Maher
The Spanish driver is rumored to be moving to Mercedes, which would be a direct seat swap with Hamilton, and is also thought to have offered Sainz a three-year contract in order to take over management of the existing Sauber team in F1 in 2026. There are also rumors of a move to Red Bull and Audi.
PlanetF1.com revealed on Wednesday night that Sainz is no longer a candidate for a move to Mercedes, at least for the time being, due to stalled negotiations between the two companies.
Sainz had hoped to reach a quick agreement with Mercedes, but it is understood the team has opted to monitor Max Verstappen’s situation at Red Bull in the hope of signing the reigning three-time world champion as Hamilton’s successor.
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His contract runs until 2028, and despite starting the F1 2024 season with five wins out of seven races to take control of the title race, Verstappen’s Red Bull future remains in doubt due to off-track turmoil involving the team. Inside, he’s in doubt because of Mercedes coach Toto. Wolff has made no secret of his desire to sign the 26-year-old.
Asked to confirm ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix whether the option to join Mercedes was off the table, Sainz told media including PlanetF1.com: “I’m sorry.”
Sainz, who turns 30 in September, insisted he has not set a deadline to make a decision on his future and stressed the need to make the right move at such a crucial stage in his career.
He said, “I think everyone depends on someone. [in the driver market]Formula 1 is a circle.
“I haven’t decided yet and I don’t know if I’ll be able to race next year. I haven’t set a deadline.
“At this stage in my career, I can definitely say that when I have a choice, I want to choose the right one and think carefully. Because I’m almost 30 this year and I want to do that.” Let’s do the next project and see how it goes.”
“I’m going to give myself as much time as I need.”
Asked if he was worried he would miss out if he waited too long to make a decision, Sainz replied: “Behind the scenes, I know more.
“There are rumors and stuff going around, but don’t worry, I won’t leak anything.
“I’m going to put all my chips on the table and make the right decision.
“One thing I can say is that once you make up your mind, it happens quickly.
“Put together everything you think you’ll need for your next job.” [adventure]”
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