'Free agent' Sainz won't rush into deciding post-Ferrari future

Carlos Sainz insists that he will not rush into deciding where his post-Ferrari Formula 1 future lies and wants to select the right project.

Sainz will depart Ferrari after four seasons at the end of 2024, to be replaced alongside Charles Leclerc by Lewis Hamilton.

The two-time Grand Prix winner was expecting to sign a renewal with the Scuderia, but is instead seeking a new seat after the shock swoop for Hamilton.

Sainz has previously spoken that he has "nothing to prove" as he tries to find a new seat, with one possible destination being Audi in 2026.

However, the Spaniard is keen to first focus on pre-season testing and then the packed 24 race calendar before thinking about his future.

Sainz is a 'free agent'

"I guess for all the drivers with expiring contracts, you are looking at all your options, chatting with all the teams and seeing how other structures and teams are progressing and where they are," Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

"Winter testing is the priority [right now] as we only have three days of testing, so you have to put your head on where you are losing time and then there will be plenty of time to sit down and decide.

"There are 24 races ahead of us but for sure the last couple of races will be emotional, especially because I will leave behind a great group of people that I work very well alongside.

"I've met some very good human beings at Ferrari, and I've also met a lot of people around the world that have made me feel at home, right from the beginning.

"We will leave that emotional part towards the end of the year and try to do the best possible job with the team for the last year.

"I know that Fred[Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal] and the company are going to give me their full support that if we are in a championship fight this year, we're going to push flat out together and have a nice last year together.

"I hopefully have plenty of years in my career ahead of me, so let's see where the future takes me.

"I am a free agent for 2025 and have no idea where I am going to be racing, so I need to take my time to decide.

"All options are available and I'll try to pick the best option for me, not just for 2025 but what is the best option for the next three or four years that I am giving my absolute best to put together a winning project in F1."