What's next for Carlos Sainz as Red Bull is set to continue with Perez? Explore uncertainties of his F1 future

Carlos Sainz, currently racing for Ferrari, faces an increasingly uncertain future in Formula 1 as opportunities with other top teams seem to be closing. With Red Bull confirming a contract extension with Sergio Perez, Sainz is left to explore his remaining options.

Here are some potential paths for the Spaniard that he can opt for to get a better deal:

Option 1: Audi/Sauber – 

Audi has shown a strong interest in Sainz, and joining them could mean becoming part of a major project backed by significant resources. Audi’s entry into F1 is expected to bring a fresh wave of investment and innovation, making it a compelling choice for any driver.

Additionally, working with Andreas Seidl, a well-regarded figure in motorsport, could provide Sainz with a stable and promising environment. However, Sauber is currently at the back of the grid, facing numerous challenges that need addressing before it can compete at the front.

This transition is likely to be a long-term project, with the 2025 and 2026 seasons potentially being developmental years rather than competitive ones. For Sainz, moving from a top team like Ferrari to a struggling squad could be a significant step down in the short term.

Option 2: Williams – 

Williams offers a unique opportunity for Carlos Sainz. The team, under the leadership of James Vowles, is undergoing a revival and could provide Sainz with a car capable of scoring points consistently. The project at Williams might be more advanced than Audi’s.

However, despite the potential, Williams lacks the extensive resources that teams like Ferrari or Audi can offer. This limitation might restrict the team’s ability to become a title contender, making it a short-term solution for Sainz. The long-term prospects might not be as promising as he would hope.

Option 3: Sitting Out a Season – 

Taking a sabbatical could allow Sainz to wait for a more attractive opportunity in 2025. Driver markets are volatile, and changes in team dynamics could open up seats at top teams. For instance, managing the strong personalities of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari or Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at McLaren might create openings for a driver like Sainz.

However, with this option the risk of being out of sight and out of mind is significant. Sainz might struggle to maintain his relevance in a highly competitive field, where new talents emerge constantly. The example of Nico Hulkenberg, who had to settle for a seat at Haas after a hiatus, underscores the risk of falling out of favour with top teams.