Sainz optimistic over F1 future despite latest closed door

Carlos Sainz has insisted his best options for a 2025 Formula 1 drive are still available to him.

The Spaniard's comment comes after Aston Martin announced it had signed Fernando Alonso to an extension for at least the next two years.

Sainz, who is seeking a new drive after being ousted at Ferrari for 2025 by Lewis Hamilton, was tipped as a potential replacement for his compatriot in the event that Alonso opted to retire from the sport.

The second seat alongside Alonso is expected to be filled once again by Lance Stroll, making the Silverstone-based squad an unlikely destination for Sainz.

Sainz continues to be linked to the vacancy at Mercedes as well as a spot at Stake ahead of its transition to Audi in 2026.

“For sure all my best options are still open, which I think is a positive thing and something that obviously requires a bit of time given the situation of the market,” Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

“It’s going to take some time for everyone to make their own mind [up] and their own decisions. But the good options are still open.”

'The sooner the better'

While there has been little progress made over this future since the last round in Japan, Sainz declared he is wishing to put a pen to paper as soon as possible.

“There has been barely any progress over the last couple of weeks so there's nothing really to update you on,” he said.

“Obviously the sooner that everything develops the better, because at the same time, it's not like it's affecting my performance at all this year.

“But the earlier you take it out of your head and know the situation, the better.

“It requires time and it requires some decision-making. So now it's, as I said, last week, it's time to let that happen and see how things progress.”