A 'no' from Sainz for Audi? 'Spaniard is on his way to this team'

F1 News

carlos sainz responds to mercedes and audi rumours and his future
23 May at 18:57
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  • Ludo van Denderen

After a very strong start to the season, even including a GP win, Carlos Sainz might just have thought that the top teams were lining up for him when he leaves Ferrari at the end of the year. Meanwhile, it has slowly become clear that the reality is different. For Mercedes, the Spaniard is not an option, that much became clear in recent weeks. Perhaps Red Bull is an option, although first Max Verstappen must decide to move. The only serious option for Sainz seemed to be Audi. But according to Motorsport.com, the Spaniard is in advanced talks with Williams.

While speaking to the international media this Thursday, Sainz went into detail about his expectations for the Monaco race. When the subject became his future, the Spaniard was suddenly a lot less outspoken. Naturally, he was asked whether Mercedes had indeed let it be known that they did not see Sainz as a contender for Lewis Hamilton's vacant seat? "I cannot confirm it," was Sainz's response.

Audi reportedly wants to know from Sainz at very short notice whether he will take up the generous offer. "I haven't made my mind up yet and I don't know where I'm going to be racing next year," the Spaniard stated. "I also haven't set any deadlines but I can tell you such an important decision at this stage of my career that I want to have all the options on the table and take the right one and think about it carefully. I'm about to turn 30 this year and the next project is a project that I want to make work and see how it goes. So I'm going to give myself as much time as I need."

Sainz considering all his options

For a long time, it seemed that Audi was the most logical option for Sainz. Meanwhile, another candidate has been added, namely Williams. Now the British team suddenly seem to have the best cards. "You have the rumors and everything but don't worry, I'm not going to let anything slip and I'm going to just put all the options on the table and take the right decision. I can just tell you that once I have made my mind up, everything will happen very quickly and it's all about putting everything together that I feel like I need on my next new contract."