Carlos Sainz will take his time before deciding upon his next move as his stint with Ferrari draws to a close, saying he will go wherever gives him the best chance of becoming world champion.
The 2024 Formula One season – which begins with Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix – will be Sainz’s last with the Scuderia, who he joined from McLaren for 2021.
Sainz and Ferrari had reportedly engaged in talks over a new contract during the offseason, but earlier this month, the team confirmed Lewis Hamilton will take his seat for 2025 in a stunning move.
Read our other sports news stories here:
Andy Murray wants one last shot at Olympics before retiring
Manchester derby will be different to Luton rout – Guardiola
Man Utd great John O’Shea appointed interim Republic of Ireland boss
Sainz, who was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in 2023, has been linked with moves to Mercedes and Aston Martin, as well as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber – which will become Audi in 2026.
However, the Spaniard will not be rushed into choosing his next destination, telling reporters on Wednesday: “I don’t know where I’m going and what will be my best option.
RACE WEEK HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!!
Let the 2024 season commence 🤩#BAHRAINGP #F1 PIC.TWITTER.COM/PYWU21QCSB
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) FEBRUARY 26, 2024
“I’m going to maximise my last year at Ferrari. I want to have a really good year at this incredible team and to give my absolute best for everyone at Maranello.
“Regarding my future, the situation changed a lot over the winter and now I will need to take my time to decide where I want to go.
“We will look at all the options available and see what the best medium- to long-term project is for my career, the project that gives me the best possibility to be world champion, which is my dream, as soon as possible.”
