F1 Today | Sainz gives 2025 update as Red Bull prepare for Barcelona

Sainz 'has his options on the table' for 2025

Ever since the news that Lewis Hamilton was making the shock switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, one of the main questions would be what would happen to Carlos Sainz. Since joining the Scuderia, the Spaniard has more than held his own, challenging teammate Charles Leclerc at every opportunity and earning three victories since joining in 2021.

With the option of taking Hamilton's seat at Mercedes diminishing quickly thanks to the rise of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, there was potential that Sainz could make a move to Red Bull. However, a two-year contract extension for Sergio Perez put an end to that rumour. The Spaniard has been in contact with Sauber (Audi in 2026) and he has also been impressed by Williams, but there has been no news as to when a move will be announced. Until today.

"I have my options on the table ready to make a decision, and the decision cannot be brought forward, but I am going to make it very soon because I already want to get it out of the way," said Sainz, speaking on El Hormiguero, a Spanish TV show. The Ferrari driver also said there are "several" options that he is taking into account, but he said a decision will come "soon".

Perez hopeful to recover from Canada "disaster"

It was a Grand Prix weekend to forget for Sergio Perez at the Canadian Grand Prix, the first race since his contract extension. For the second time in a row, the Mexican was knocked out in Q1, putting him right at the back of the grid for the race. He also crashed in both races, which included a lap 1 DNF in Monaco, and it saw him slip from second to fifth in the World Championship.

However, Perez hopes these poor races are behind him, and he will want to show his worth after Red Bull put their trust in him with his new contract. "I know I need to have a successful weekend after the disaster in Canada," said the Mexican. "I am confident in the car and the performance we can execute from it, but I need to show that on track better in Barcelona."

Max Verstappen comes to Catalunya off the back of victory in Montreal, but like it was in Imola, it was not plain sailing, with teams closing the gap on Red Bull. However, on a track that the Austrian team has dominated on in recent years, Verstappen will be hoping he can do the same again. "It has a good mix of high and low-speed corners and we have historically driven well there so hopefully we can maximise the performance of the car this weekend. We are aiming to keep the momentum going from Canada, so we are looking forward to racing this weekend," announced the Dutchman.

Leclerc brings F1 to the Olympics carrying the Olympic Torch 

After taking victory on his hometown streets of Monaco, Charles Leclerc had the honour to carry the Olympic Torch through the principality, taking to the streets on foot. 

It was announced only yesterday by Radio Monaco that the Monegasque would have the opportunity to be a part of the Olympic Torch Relay as it comes through his place of birth thanks to his fantastic victory at the Monaco Grand Prix as a part of preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

He now follows in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton and becomes the second torchbearer in F1 after the seven-time World Champion took part in the Torch Relay for the 2012 London Olympics.