Carlos Sainz is facing a crucial phase of his career. Poised between two fires, Ferrari on one side and Audi on the other. Sainz still has one year left on his contract with the Maranello team and his preferential option for 2025 is to remain tied to Ferrari. However, the renewal is not easy, and the negotiations appear to have stalled. Time passes and, although the Spaniard has said he wants to close the question about his future by the end of the season, there are very few options left on the table to continue his path in Formula 1 even after 2024.
After an uncertain season at Ferrari, and a early retirement in Qatar which did not allow him to recover points in the standings, the Spanish rider finds himself at a crossroads, with few options available for the future. Despite having demonstrated his value on the track, especially in this second part of the season in which Ferrari's only victory also came in Singapore, the doors of the main teams seem to be closing, forcing him to make a choice: stay in Ferrari or focus on the new entries, Audi starting from 2026. Sainz's intentions are clear, his goal has always been to obtain the title with Ferrari. However, further market scenarios arrive from Spain.
Stay in Ferrari in 2025
Despite a solid and consistent performance, it seems that Ferrari is not yet ready to confirm its presence for next season. One of the problems may lie in the duration of the contract. We know that Leclerc has signed or is about to sign a multi-year contract. Ferrari may not have reached the same type of agreement on Sainz. The confrontation between Sainz and Leclerc has turned into a real media battle. Each elects their own champion in a fight for the role of first driver which puts them both at risk of exclusion. However, leaving aside the hierarchies, the Maranello team knows that there is a rather significant interest in the Spaniard from Audi, which is preparing for an official entry into Formula 1 in 2026. Losing the Spaniard would be a hard blow, given the recent achieved results.
Carlos Sainz therefore finds himself in a difficult situation for 2025, with no clear choice between Ferrari and Audi. Both options present interesting prospects and unique challenges. Ferrari represents continuity, but with uncertainty about the team's future and internal dynamics, while Audi offers the opportunity to be part of a new beginning, helping to create a winning team from the beginning of their Formula 1 journey .
the options: Alpine and McLaren
As reported in the newspaper The National Sainz would also be close to two other teams: Alpine and McLaren. The French team is committed to Ocon until 2024, and rumors speak of a separation between the French rider and Alpine. Sainz could fit into this scenario with the deadline set for 2024. However, Sainz's objectives would not match the possibilities he would have in Alpine. Ferrari, if he were to return to a level of competitiveness similar to Red Bull and the performances of 2022, could guarantee the Spaniard to compete for the title. The French team, however, still has a long way to go to make that goal achievable.
Another option according to the Spanish newspaper is a return to McLaren, should Norris change his shirt. There is talk of an interest from Red Bull, intending to replace Sergio Perez, as well as in Mercedes when and if Hamilton decides to hang up his helmet. Doing so would free up a place for Sainz who would join the rising star at McLaren, namely Oscar Piastri. It's still all speculation, and the news changes from week to week. All we have to do is wait for the first players to start positioning themselves, as always happens when it comes to the drivers' market.
