Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has shared his advice for Carlos Sainz on the next steps he should take in his career.
The 29-year-old Spaniard has the world at his feet after discovering over the summer that his time with Ferrari was coming to an end.
Brundle was talking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast and pondering the three-time race winner’s future.
Martin Brundle shares advice for Carlos Sainz ahead of pivotal next F1 step
Standing on the top step of the podium in Australia, Carlos Sainz showed the world of Formula 1 that if it wasn’t evident already, he should be considered in the top tier of drivers on the grid.
While he doesn’t have a world championship to his name, he’s matching if not exceeding the performances being put in by the likes of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari’s decision to stick with Charles Leclerc for 2025 and beyond makes sense given his long-standing relationship with the team and his displays over the past two years.
However, there’s never been a massive gap between the two drivers and Sainz has closed it this year and is suddenly putting the Monegasque under some pressure.
That’s not going to change team principal Frederic Vasseur’s mind over letting Sainz go, but it is putting him in the strongest position possible in the driver’s market this season.
Martin Brundle has now shared his advice with Sainz and his team on what he would do in his situation.
It’s not going to be an easy call and it’s likely he won’t know for several years if he’s made the right one.
READ MORE: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height
Carlos Sainz has time on his side before 2025 decision
Talking about what next step Sainz should take, Brundle said: “My advice to Carlos and his dad would be that things happen very quickly in this business.
“Two weeks is a very long time in Formula 1 and just keep your options open.”
Brundle’s advice to Sainz is very pertinent when looking at one team that wants to bring him in next season.
They’re not the fastest team on the grid – on in the pit lane – but Sauber are desperate to sign Carlos Sainz.
The Swiss outfit will become the works Audi team in 2026 and want the Spaniard to lead them into the sport when they join the grid.
However, that’s unlikely to be Sainz’s first choice for next year unless he’s committed to being a part of a long-term project.
Martin Brundle suggests better option than Audi for Carlos Sainz
Given his wealth of experience in the sport, Sainz may just pay attention to the advice being offered by Martin Brundle on his future.
He has already shared what he believes is the ‘no-brainer’ option for the Spaniard should it arise before the start of next year.
Audi are beginning to put pressure on Red Bull as they believe Sergio Perez’s future could have a direct impact on where Sainz ends up.
Red Bull have already suggested that they want to wait until the summer before they make a final call.
That goes against Sainz’s wishes as understandably he’s keen to make sure he’s got a place on the grid next year.
He needn’t worry, as it would be a travesty if he wasn’t still racing in Formula 1 in 2025.
The post ‘My advice to Carlos’: Martin Brundle now tells Ferrari driver what he should do ahead of the 2025 season appeared first on F1 Oversteer.