Sainz urged to hurry up: 'Up to him to make a decision'

Alpine, Williams, and Stake, have all confirmed one of their drivers for 2025. The three teams need to find their signed drivers a teammate, and Sainz is no doubt on everyone's list. The Spaniard will leave Ferrari at the end of the season, following the announcement that Lewis Hamilton would replace him. With most top teams now securing their driver line-up, Sainz's options remain mostly with mid field teams. 

In Hungary, Gasly was the first to be asked about how he would feel driving alongside the three-time race winner. "I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table," he said. "At the end of the day, it's not up to me. I welcome the fastest guy out there. We all know who it is. At the moment, we have got to wait. But, the team has three good options." The team are said to have Sainz already on their candidate list, alongside current reserve driver Jack Doohan, and Mick Schumacher, who drivers for Alpine in the WEC. Asked whether he had spoken to Sainz, the Frenchman replied: "I did my fair share of the job, but ultimately I believe in the projects we're building with Alpine and I always back the team up. Now it's up to him to make his own decision."

Where could Sainz go in 2025?

With the news on Thursday morning that Kevin Magnussen would be leaving Haas, six teams still remain to confirm their 2025 line up. Williams' team boss James Vowles has been clear in the past that they are interested in Sainz, with Stake, which will become Audi in 2026, also being open about their interest. Albon joked about the Williams '25 line-up before stating nothing has been decided: "Big reveal. Here we go. Honestly, it's very much in the air. I think it is for everyone. I don't really care. I think a little bit what Pierre said earlier, it's not really my job. It's not my point of view. I think if he's quick, that's good. We're in a midfield battle that every point matters, so we need everything we can get." Hulkenberg, who will move to Stake in '25 also agreed, "Yes, for the fastest and the strongest. You need two strong drivers and a strong team in the environment in Formula 1, whoever that is."