In Suzuka, Japan, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz expressed his desire to expedite discussions with Formula One teams for a seat next season and was hopeful of resolving his future sooner rather than later.
Having been the only driver to defeat the dominant Red Bull since 2022, with his most recent victory in Australia last month, Sainz will be replaced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the end of the current season.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Sainz mentioned that he was engaging in talks with various teams because it is the necessary step when not having a confirmed job for the following year.
He emphasized the importance of delving deeper into discussions to identify realistic options and determine the best path for himself and his future. Sainz noted, “It’s time now to speed up a bit everything and hopefully we can get it sorted sooner rather than later.”
With over half of the current grid facing contractual uncertainties at the end of the season, there is potential for a vacancy at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, as well as Mercedes seeking a replacement for Hamilton. Sauber, who will rebrand as Audi in 2026, is also a potential option for Sainz.
Despite undergoing appendix surgery just two weeks before, Sainz triumphed in Melbourne, showcasing his determination and resilience. The Spaniard assured that he had fully recovered and resumed his training regime.
Reflecting on his recovery process, Sainz shared, “I’m still obviously not lifting heavy numbers like I used to do in the past, but at least I can get my training done and feeling back to 100%.”
Discussing the challenges of the Suzuka track for Ferrari, Sainz acknowledged the team’s struggle with pace at the circuit last year. He expressed hope for a better performance this time around, as Suzuka holds a special place as one of his favorite tracks.
Sainz’s focus remains on delivering a strong performance and making the most of the Japanese Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of adapting quickly to secure a competitive seat for the upcoming season.
With a dynamic F1 landscape shaping up for next season, Sainz remains eager to finalize his future plans and continue his journey in motorsport, aiming for success and further accomplishments on the track.
