Sainz explains pride over future F1 move

Carlos Sainz has refused to elaborate on a looming potential switch to Williams, but insists he is "proud" to be able to decide where he races in 2025.

Leaving Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for Lewis Hamilton, Sainz has been tipped with a big-money move to Stake for 2025 before Audi arrives in '26, with Nico Hulkenberg already signed up. The Spaniard has not agreed to that deal as yet.

With avenues closed to Mercedes and Red Bull, as Andrea Kimi Antonelli looks set to replace Hamilton at the former, and Sergio Perez confirmed as staying on at the latter in the build-up to the Canadian Grand Prix, it leaves Sainz with limited options.

Alongside the Stake/Audi deal, or a potential return to Enstone and what is now Alpine, Williams team principal James Vowles has made no secret of his desire to sign Sainz.

Sainz previously hit out at Spanish media spreading fake rumours he had signed with Williams, but when pressed further, remained coy.

"I can't elaborate on that, because I prefer not to comment because whatever I tell you, you could put it in a headline and make a story out of it," Sainz told media including RacingNews365. 

"I can just tell you that all of the options I have, and on the table, are good options, and I am proud of the fact that I can choose my future in Formula 1."

Vowles also tight-lipped over Sainz

Sainz considers himself fortunate to be in the position he is even if the doors to the leading teams have closed.

"I don't think many drivers in their career have an opportunity of choosing where they can go and spend the next two or three years," he said.

"Everyone I've talked to, I felt like they really want me in their team and this makes me feel proud and positive about the future."

Vowles set out an aggressive public sales pitch to Sainz during the Canadian GP weekend, describing how he had changed the team and the fact it felt in a position to attract a driver of Sainz's calibre showed the process was working, 

When the former Mercedes strategy guru was further pushed on the potential arrival, he, too, remained tight-lipped.

"Well, first and foremost, I think Carlos is an exceptional driver," Vowles explained. "He's a race-winning driver, and I think any team would be privileged to have him as a part of their organisation. 

"But more than that, there's nothing to say at the moment, nothing more than that." He then joked: "Definitely, 100% by December, I'll be able to tell you."

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