Carlos Sainz slams Williams speculation after imminent announcement claim

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.

Carlos Sainz said it “makes me laugh”, and not in a good way, following a report claiming that he had signed an F1 2025 contract.

Sainz has known before the F1 2024 campaign even got underway that he requires a new home on the grid for next year, following the pre-season announcement that seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton will take his seat for F1 2025.

Carlos Sainz has ‘very good options’ to pick from

Several doors have closed recently for Sainz, PlanetF1.com having previously reported that he is out of the running for the Mercedes vacancy for the time being, while Red Bull has chosen to retain Sergio Perez under a multi-year contract.

A report released on the brink of the Canadian Grand Prix alleged that Sainz had penned a contract for F1 2025, implying a strong likelihood of him joining Williams. However, Sainz clarified in Montreal that no contract has been signed yet.

Indeed, the report made Sainz “laugh”. He voiced his “concern” about such allegations going “unpunished”.

“He informed reporters ahead of the Canadian GP that nothing is confirmed yet,” is the only thing he could say.

“I’ve come across media reports claiming that I’ve signed contracts. These allegations amuse me, especially when I recall the news from three months ago stating I had signed with Mercedes and Red Bull. Clearly, these developments are not on the cards.”

It’s amusing to hear people claim that I’ve signed with Williams. It’s somewhat ironic that some media reports can make such assertions without consequence. It’s concerning to me that people can spread such information without any substantial proof or backing.

Besides, whenever there’s anything I need to convey or announce, you all will be the first to hear about it, and I will openly discuss it here.

Regarding my future, I will thoroughly evaluate everything within the contract I sign, putting everything into perspective.

I firmly believe that success in Formula 1 demands a commitment to a medium to long-term project. I don’t believe that one can achieve success in Formula 1 by participating for just one year with the aim to win, and then leave. I think a well-structured project is necessary for success to occur.

I believe the years 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 will provide a great opportunity for me to find what I’m looking for. I predict that 2026 will be unpredictable, like a lottery. I’m assuming you’re all aware of the regulations released today. After reviewing them, I find it impossible to predict who will be the competitive ones.

“I understand that at the moment, you may view my situation dramatically, as I’m not in a competitive car for 2025 or 2026. However, I believe that 2026 will bring a significant change and perhaps the future has something very positive in store for me.”

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In an interview with Sky F1, Sainz acknowledged the presence of some “very good options” awaiting him. However, with his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc’s recent victory in Monaco and the narrowing gap between Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull, Sainz expressed that these developments make it difficult for him to contemplate the upcoming season.

However, he knows the time when he must determine his next move is nearing.

“He said, “I believe I have always been truthful about the numerous options I currently have for the future. Some of these options are indeed excellent, and I want to consider them calmly.”

To be completely frank, it’s challenging to make decisions about my future when my current focus is on maximizing this year’s opportunities. With a possibility of winning this weekend and at my home grand prix in Barcelona, as well as in Monaco, it’s hard to concentrate on anything else but ensuring I have a competitive car this year.

Eventually, I’ll need to review all the options presented to me. So far, I’ve allowed my management and team to negotiate and collect these options. Once it’s time to make a decision, I’ll evaluate them thoroughly.

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