When Carlos Sainz discovered that he was being let go by Ferrari for the 2025 season, he may have assumed that he would still be racing for a top team next year. But that’s now looking very unlikely.
On paper, Sainz looks like a highly desirable free agent. The 29-year-old has shown some of his best-ever form in recent times, winning races in Australia and Singapore and taking his career podium tally to 21.
But the market has worked against him. Though he may have been eyeing up a potential return to the Red Bull family after starting his career at Toro Rosso, that door is about to close.
The Bulls are instead expected to re-sign Sergio Perez alongside Max Verstappen. Perez has struggled lately but Red Bull value the harmony in the garage.
Indeed, they are concerned about possible tension if Sainz reunites with the Dutchman. They had a fraught relationship during their rookie campaigns in 2015.
Mercedes also stood out as an obvious destination given Lewis Hamilton’s departure. But Toto Wolff has kept Sainz waiting as he pursues Verstappen, and academy driver Kimi Antonelli may be his plan-b regardless.
Ralf Schumacher warns Carlos Sainz about joining Williams
With front-running drives off the table, Sainz could end up joining Williams instead. He’s received a ‘satisfactory’ offer from the iconic British tram.
The former McLaren man may find himself choosing between Williams and Audi. The German giants will join the grid in 2026 as they take control of Sauber.
Both teams are struggling this year. After eight races, they each rank in the bottom three of the constructors’ championship with a combined two points.
But speaking to formel1.de, Ralf Schumacher told Sainz that Audi was the better ‘long-term’ option. While he spent around half of his career at Williams, he fears that the Spaniard’s career could stall if he heads to Grove.
“I strongly advise in advance, Williams is still a dead-end at the moment. I’m honest, even though I really like James Vowles,” Schumacher said.
He later added: “Since I know the Williams company, I can’t be sure whether Sainz can feel comfortable in such an environment. I think that Audi is the better one in the long term, also because of his father’s connections to the company.”
How Carlos Sainz reacted when he found out he was losing Ferrari seat
The bottom line is that Sainz will wish he was staying at Ferrari. The Scuderia are enjoying one of their strongest seasons since they last won the championship in 2008.
With a third of the campaign gone, they sit just 24 points behind Red Bull in the standings after a victory apiece for both drivers. It’s far from inconceivable that they win the constructors’ title this year, even if Verstappen may prove out of reach in the drivers’.
To make matters worse Fred Vasseur is pursuing legendary designer Adrian Newey. The move, a ‘slap in the face’ for Sainz, could potentially make Ferrari the team beat come 2026 and the new regulations.
Vasseur recently lifted the lid on his conversation with Sainz after the signing of Hamilton. While he found the news ‘difficult’ to digest, he vowed to ‘push’ until ‘the last corner of the last lap of the season’.
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