Carlos Sainz's F1 reality after Fernando Alonso contract decision with just two options
Carlos Sainz has been linked with Mercedes, Red Bull and Aston Martin since his impending Ferrari exit was made official, but it is likely that only far less competitive cars will be available to him
by Daniel Moxon · The MirrorCarlos Sainz faces a drop to the back of the Formula 1 grid after his Ferrari axe.
The Spaniard, 29, will leave at the end of the year thanks to the Italians' decision to bring in Lewis Hamilton. And he has responded to that rejection by producing the best form of his F1 career.
Sainz won one and finished on the podium in the other two of the three races he has taken part in so far this term. Those results have led to speculation he could replace Hamilton at Mercedes, or join Red Bull if Sergio Perez is released. But a move to either of those teams is highly unlikely.
Red Bull say they won't make a decision any time soon on Perez's future, but his strong start to the year could see him rewarded with a new deal. And, despite Toto Wolff's best efforts to convince Max Verstappen to leave, the Dutchman looks set to stay for at least another season.
The Mercedes chief's next candidate is teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli who is being groomed as Hamilton's replacement. Sainz was also linked with Aston Martin, but Fernando Alonso's new contract has ended any chance of that happening.
Lance Stroll technically isn't confirmed for 2025 yet, but his seat is secure thanks to the fact his billionaire dad is the team owner. McLaren already have a full driver line-up for next year and beyond, meaning Sainz is now looking at the bottom five teams for vacancies.
Of those, his two best options are the Audi project, and Williams. Audi enters F1 in 2026 when the German carmaker takes over the Sauber team that finished ninth last season. Realistically, it will take years for them to fight at the front - if they manage it at all.
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And Williams, though they have a glorious past, haven't won a championship since 1997 and have finished last in four of the last six seasons. That's the reality facing Sainz, despite his impressive form so far this year.
Throughout his F1 career to date, the Madrid-born racer has led a nomadic existence. Sainz came through at Red Bull's sister team Toro Rosso but had to leave after clashing with Verstappen.
He spent two years apiece with Renault and McLaren and worked his way up to joining Ferrari. During his time with the Scuderia he has become a three-time F1 race winner but, after this season, it may be a long time until Sainz is fighting for wins again.