Carlos Sainz is currently racing for Ferrari until the end of the 2024 season. However, is future after that is currently uncertain. There have been a number of rumors about where he will end up after his contract ends with Ferrari.
It has been rumored that Charles Leclerc has already signed a contract extension with Ferrari which will last for another 4 years from 2025. It has also been rumored that Carlos Sainz is looking for a similar contract from Ferrari.
A report from Quotidiano Nazionale suggests that Carlos has got offers from a number of teams but none from the top 3 yet.
🚨 | Carlos Sainz reportedly has offers from outside Ferrari, but they are “not from top teams.”
There is still uncertainty about Ferrari’s lineup beyond 2024.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) August 13, 2023
When we look at the top 3 teams, only Ferrari and Red Bull will have vacancies for the 2025 season. As it stands, Mercedes also has a vacant seat from next year, but Lewis Hamilton is expected to extend his stay at the team for at least 2 years more. This would occupy the 2025 seat for Mercedes.
Sergio Perez’s Red Bull contract is expected to end after the 2024 season. There has been a lot of speculation as to who will replace him in the team. So far Carlos Sainz’s name has not been thrown in the mix, but it’s never too late.
With Carlos Sainz rumored to be expecting a similar contract to Charles Leclerc, it is doubtful that Ferrari will give in to the demands. The Italian constructors have often favored Charles Leclerc when it comes to races and even contracts. However, Sainz does not believe that he is inferior to Charles, according to Quotidiano Nazionale. So there is a good chance that Sainz might choose to leave Ferrari after the 2024 season.
What offers has Carlos Sainz received?
There hasn’t been any official confirmation that Sainz has received offers from other teams. But there are a number of teams who should have a very high interest in signing Sainz.
Carlos Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr. has been pushing Sauber to offer him a contract as the team will be taken over by Audi Motorsport in 2026. Carlos Sainz Sr. drove for Audi Motorsport during the 2023 Dakar Rally. He is apparently using his connections with the team to push for a contract. It is rumored that Carlos Sainz has already signed a pre-contract with Audi.
🚨 | Auto Action reports that Carlos Sainz has already signed a pre-contract with Audi to join the Sauber team in 2025.
Even though that’s not a binding commitment, it shows the Spaniard is considering his alternatives.
“I do prefer starting a season already knowing where I’m… pic.twitter.com/V8lE91Cn6j
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) August 6, 2023
Both the Alpine Drivers’ contracts are set to expire after the 2024 season as well. They will certainly be looking at their option to sign Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard has proved to be a consistent driver for every team he has driven in. He has in fact driven for Alpine back when it was called Renault. He was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo in Renault in 2019.
Another team that could have an interest in signing Sainz is Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso’s current contract is expiring after the 2024 season. Based on Alonso’s age, it is likely that he will retire from the sport after the 2024 season. Carlos Sainz will be a valuable candidate to replace Alonso in the team.
Other smaller teams might also have some vacancies in 2025. Most of the backfield teams have vacancies for next year itself, so it is unclear as to their availabilities for the 2025 season. Let’s see if any of the top teams show any interest in Carlos in the coming weeks.