Carlos Sainz shares latest update on his F1 future as options dwindle

Carlos Sainz has yet to announce his plans for 2025 and beyond, as his options continue to dwindle in the silly season. Ahead of his home race, the Spanish GP, Sainz, provided an update on the progress of the negotiations.

After Red Bull announced a contract extension for Sergio Perez, Sainz was left with two realistic options- Williams and Audi (Sauber). The Spaniard found himself without any offer from a top team, as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is keen on promoting 17-year-old prodigy Kimi Antonelli.

Carlos Sainz had previously suggested that every team without a confirmed driver lineup had sent him an offer. Ahead of his home race, the 29-year-old indicated that he would make his decision sooner rather than later, as he wishes to concentrate on his final season with Ferrari.

With Ferrari's SF-24 proving to be a regular podium contender, Sainz is hoping to end his journey with the team on a high note. In a recent interview with Spanish media Antena3, he said:

"I have everything on the table and I will decide very soon because I want to get rid of thoughts about the future and concentrate on the rest of the season with Ferrari. This year I have a car that allows me to aim for the podium and be able to win some races, I want to be focused on the goal."

The F1 silly season has not been kind to Carlos Sainz, as he bids goodbye to his Ferrari seat to make way for Lewis Hamilton. He admitted that he was initially shocked by Ferrari's decision, but has since, accepted it from a philosophical standpoint.

Sainz heads to his home race this weekend, June 21–23, without an F1 contract for 2025 and beyond, but remains determined to announce his plans soon.

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Toto Wolff explains why Carlos Sainz doesn't fit into Mercedes roster

The Silver Arrows team boss, Toto Wolff, acknowledged that Carlos Sainz deserved a seat at a top team. He also suggested that the team would "reinvent" itself after Lewis Hamilton's exit, providing an opportunity to promote 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli.

"I think first of all, Carlos deserves a top seat. He’s done a fantastic job. But for us, we’ve embarked on a route now to say, ‘You know what, we want to reinvent ourselves a little bit, going forward.’ Kimi Antonelli definitely plays a part in that," Wolff was quoted by F1.com

The Mercedes team boss added that while they continued to assess Antonelli, they didn't want to keep Sainz waiting for the decision.

"We haven’t taken a decision yet for next year, but we didn’t want to have Carlos wait as well, because he needs to take the decisions for himself – that’s just fair. But he’s doing a super job," he added.

With the doors to Red Bull and Mercedes closed, no other team can offer a sideways step for the Spaniard. It is said that he is weighing his options between Williams and Audi.